Active Baby!

Yesterday ended one of the most challenging weeks I've had in a very long time!  Work was completely insane, my professional activities were on full throttle, our car broke down and we found out we're looking at $1,000 worth of repairs, and I'm still completely exhausted on a daily basis. Everyone says the morning sickness and exhaustion should go away at the end of the 2nd trimester.  I'm nearly done with my 16th week and still every morning I get that feeling like I shouldn't brush my teeth or else!  For the 3rd month straight, bedtime is no later than 9pm. 

But all of this was made better yesterday when we got to hear our baby's heartbeat!!  Tray's heartbeat is strong and, according to the OB, Tray is a very active baby!  S/he was trying to swim away from the doppler and the OB had to chase her/him across my belly!  The OB says everything sounds great and my bump is exactly where it should be. 

I was surprised to learn that I've only gained 3 pounds overall.  Tell that to my jeans!  We're told that's normal and a lot of women don't put on the majority of their weight until further along in their pregnancy.    Still, it made me wish I had a healthy appetite and wanted to eat.  I'm still at the point when nothing sounds good, and that's especially true later in the day.  Poor Matt asks me if lentil soup sounds good or lamb burgers or some other meal made with all of his love, and I just shake my head.  Nothing sounds good but I'll eat it.

This weekend is going to be dedicated to the nursery.  The to-do list includes:

• putting up a picture molding in the nursery
• buying paint (this is the color we plan to use but in a zero-VOC brand -- it's called Glistening Moonlight)
• designing an Elfa closet for the nursery (and taking advantage of their annual sale!)

And because every post should have a photo, here's a snap of a little pillow case I bought the other day:

Tomorrow

Tomorrow we have a regular check-up appointment with our OB.   It's seems like forever since we were there last.  A couple of weeks ago, I was so anxious and tense about wanting to hear Tray's heartbeat again, I was starting to freak myself out.  I hear this behavior is normal.  I've never been someone who needs a lot of reassurance but bringing a baby on board has definitely left me feeling needy.  I just need to know that everything is okay still! 

In other news, I've agreed to participate in a migraine/preeclampsia  study with Swedish Medical Center (where we will deliver) and the National Institute of Health.  There's no compensation involved but I've known enough women who have been affected by preeclampsia that I figured it's the least I can do.   The study is pretty low-key.  They'll take a sample of my blood on Friday and send me home with a couple written surveys that shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes each.  Around 20 weeks, I'll do a 1 hour phone interview.  There is one requirement of participating that made me hesitate though.  After I deliver, they need a sample of tissue from my placenta.  Luckily, this doesn't actually involve me in anyway since, I will assume, I won't want anything to do with my placenta!  :) 

On an entirely unrelated note, please feel free to comment!  It's fun getting comments.  It makes it seem like I'm not just posting into a black hole.  Also, please take our fun little surveys along the left sidebar. 

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Sample Sales

A while back I discovered online sample sales.  It started with Gilt and ballooned to include, Gilt Fuse, Rue La La, Hautelook, and Billion Dollar Babes.  OneKingsLane followed soon after.  And now....NOW I've entered the land of online sample sales for parents-to-be:  Totsy, bTrendie, Baby Steals, Mama Bargains, and Bump Bargains.

Originally I was going to design our crib bedding at this website. But I wasn't loving their fabric choices and the prices were sky high. It seems no matter where you buy a crib bedding set, it costs at least $150 and upwards of $350 for something I would consider unique or creative in design. So, I was thrilled when Billion Dollar Babes hosted a Baby Star sale and I was able to purchase beautiful bedding for nearly 75% off!

This bedding was advertised as boy bedding. But I disagree. Just because it's blue doesn't mean it's for boys. I'll share more about the design we're going for in the nursey in another post, but suffice to say that we want everything bright and happy with lots of patterns and colors. This bedding should fit in perfectly:

The best part is that this bedding is normally $380 and I got it for $120!!  Yayzers! 

1st Bump Photo

Today was the first day I actually looked pregnant. Granted I was wearing leggings and a cropped jacket but I do believe you might take me for pregnant rather than bloated:

I'll admit that I may be arching my back a little.  ;)

I'd like to thank Gaga

Back in early December, my iPod mysteriously disappeared after a routine visit from our housecleaner. After accepting the fact that my shiny red iPod wasn't coming home, I bought a used one off Craigslist for $60. The seller said she was too lazy to erase her music before selling to me, so I came home with a whole new collection. It's now been nearly 2 months and I still haven't wiped her music from my new-to-me iPod. Question: why? Answer: Lady Gaga.

As previously mentioned, due to these crazy pregnancy hormones, I've been on the verge of falling asleep all the day long (yes, still at nearly 15 weeks). Going to the gym is a real task and I dread dread dread thinking about it! But once I'm on the treadmill for my 2.5 mile warm-up and Gaga is singing in my ears, I want to run and lift and squat until the album is over.

Sometimes I have to listen to this song a few times on repeat. Gaga reminds me of Cher (and not just her performance; her voice as well)!

I love Lady Gaga! I'm not ashamed.

Casual Friday

When I originally started working at the firm, we had "casual" Friday on Fridays during the summer months only. About 2 years ago, the firm switched to casual Friday every Friday. As a result of only wearing jeans 1-3 days per week, I no longer own a lot of denim. The denim I do own is tailored and tight. Case in point:

This is a trick I learned from one of the blogs I read. That's a rubber band looped around the button, through the button hole, and back over the button. I'm hoping this method will tie me over for another month or so. I did buy some maternity jeans at Nordstrom.com last week and they are currently being hemmed. Apparently they were designed for a 6'2" size 2 pregnant model.

At first I was anti-maternity clothes. I know maternity clothing has come a long way but, seriously, there's still some really ugly, unflattering stuff out there! But I recently found the best maternity clothing site! Of course, it's not American. That's why the clothing is so cute! I placed my first order last week (I'm way impressed with the prices and the shipping rate to the US!). I need to figure out sizing before I order more.

Predicting gender the old-fashioned way

There are dozens of old wives' tales that predict gender. I don't believe in any of them but I can still have fun with them. :)

(My answers are bolded)

Sleep Position
Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed at night. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you’ll have a boy. Right side? You’re pregnant with a girl.
INCONCLUSIVE. I sleep on my stomach still. When I do sleep on my side, it's a toss-up, right or left. Left if I want to snuggle Matt. Right if I want fresh air (our sliding door is on my right side).

Upset Stomach
Little girls aren’t always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.
GIRL. Although, I don't think my nausea could be classified as extreme.

Mood Changes
If you’re experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.
BOY.

Soft or Dry Hands
If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft—expect a girl.
BOY. It's winter, aren't your hands dry?

Food Cravings
Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you’re craving citrus while pregnant, you’re having a girl.
GIRL. I'm obsessed with OJ and cuties.

Adult Acne
If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl.
BOY.

Graceful or Clumsy Pregnancy
If you feel as though you’re gliding through they day, you’ll have a girl. Stumbling? It’s a boy.
GIRL.

Face Weight Gain
If your face gets fuller, it means you’re having a girl.
TOO SOON TO TELL. I haven't gained enough weight overall yet.

Sugar and Spice Food Cravings
Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you’re having a girl.
BOTH. I'm craving salty nuts and crackers as well as ice cream and cookies.

High or Low Pregnant Belly
If you’re carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it’s high, you’re having a girl.
TOO SOON TO TELL. I'm not far along enough.

Baby Weight
If you’re carrying baby in front, it’s a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It’s a girl.
TOO SOON TO TELL. I'm not far along enough.

Model Your Hands
"Show me your hands." If you would hold your hands palms up it’s a girl. Down? You’re having a boy.
WHO COMES UP WITH THESE? I have no idea how I'd to this naturally.

Toddler Advice
Get baby advice from a nephew or friend’s little boy. If a toddler boy shows interest in your belly, you’ll have a girl. If he ignores you, it’s a boy.
DOES ANYONE WANT TO LET ME BORROW THEIR BOY TODDLER?

Even and Odd Numbers
If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it’s girl. One even, one odd means a boy.
BOY. (32 and 2009)

Baby’s Heartbeat
If the baby’s heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you’re pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it’s a boy.
GIRL. (I think it was around 170 at our first ultrasound!)

Stress Test
A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception.
ARE WE SUPPOSED TO FIGHT OVER WHO WAS LESS STRESSED?

Dream Meanings
If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa.
IN MY WAKING LIFE, I'M GETTING BOY VIBES, BUT WHO KNOWS?! I haven't had any dreams about gender.

Breast Size
If your right breast is larger than the left while pregnant, you are having a boy. If the left is larger, it’s a baby girl.
GIRL. Geez, this is personal!

Mama's Hair
If your hair is full of body, with a lusterous shine, you're having a boy. If it is thin and stringy, you're having a girl.
BOY.

Mama's Leg Hair
If your leg hair is growing faster, you're having a boy. If it is the same as before you were pregnant, you're having a girl.
GIRL.

Cold Feet
If your feet are colder now than before you get pregnant, you're having a boy.
BOY.

Dad gaining weight?
If the Dad is gaining weight in sympathy with you, you're having a girl.
BOY.

FINAL SCORE (I only counted conclusive answers)
GIRL = 6
BOY = 7

Gee, this aligns well with the real-life possibility that I have a 50/50 chance of having a boy or girl! :) I'll update this list as my pregnancy progresses.

Books we're reading

Pretty much the moment we found out I was pregnant, we started investigating pregnancy books. Our OB discouraged us from reading the ultra-popular What to Expect... There's a nurse line at the OB and you can call anytime with questions or concerns. Our OB said that the women who call the nurse line repeatedly freaked out by something they've read are, more often than not, reading What to Expect... So we scratched that one off the list.

We ended up with 2 serious pregnancy books: The Mayo Clinic book and another pregnancy bible titled The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby. Both are totally sufficient in providing straightforward scientific information about pregnancy, labor, and newborns. The Mayo Clinic book is very well-written and does a great job of providing the latest statistics, which we both appreciate. My only complaint about the Mayo Clinic book is that the index isn't very good. For example, you can't look-up simple words in the terms you'd naturally think of. The Unofficial Guide on the other hand has a wonderful index, which partially makes up for what I'd otherwise consider mediocre writing.

We've also picked up some fun books:

• The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy -- I'm not loving this book. I especially dislike how much she discourages exercise during pregnancy! She goes as far as to say that it won't help you during labor when, in fact, there have been many scientific studies that prove that exercise can help during labor. I also get a very distinct vibe that she's a man-hater. :)
• The Pregnancy Countdown -- This is a pocket-sized book full of fun facts and funny anecdotes. It provides the usual information like what's happening to your baby, your body, etc. in a page-a-day format. But it's the random stuff I'm learning that is especially enjoyable. For example, I know it's only a matter of time before I can no longer see my feet. But that should not preclude me from continuing to enjoy a once-a-month pedicure! I just may want to consider toe nail polish in colors I know others will enjoy.
• Nursery Style -- I LOVE decorating so it's no surprise that I can't wait to decorate the nursery. The styles in this book are a little polished for my taste but the advice about color, choosing furniture, etc. is fabulous.
• Babies' Rooms: From Zero to Three -- Another great nursery design book, but this one really focuses on how to design a room and choose pieces that will grow with your child.

In another couple of months, we'll have to dive into books about labor (not looking forward to that) and newborns. If you have recommendations for recently published books (last 3 years or so) on those topics, please leave a comment.

Mission Find a Rocking Chair

I've been thinking about what kind of chair I want for the nursery. I wasn't super keen on the idea of a rocking chair but I started thinking about it and I actually really like the feel and relaxation of a rocking chair. I've never owned one but I remember one my parents had when I was growing up and there's something very comforting about rocking gently (I'm on to you babies!). So, I went on a mission to find a rocking chair that wasn't completely hideous.

I wanted something modern and unique. I really like the Empire Rocker but it's WAY out of our price range. There are some beautiful mid-century wood rockers available on Craigslist and at vintage and antique stores. I started to get my heart set on something like a Plycraft or Eames lounge rocker. I'd seen several of them on Craigslist going anywhere from $250 (for a knock-off a Plycraft, which was the original knock-off of an Eames) to a real Plycraft for $600 to a real Eames for $2000+. Obviously, our price range was closest to the knock-off of the knock-off.

Portland, Oregon has some great vintage furniture stores. I'd seen inventory from several stores on Craigslist and I was impressed with the variety and prices. So we decided to head down to PDX for the weekend. It was also the perfect excuse to surprise Jess & Scott with the news of my pregnancy.

To make a long story short, we ended up sitting in several Plycraft chairs and found them uncomfortable and incredibly large. The wood rockers we saw were only in fair condition and we wanted to buy something that would last. While we were in PDX, I continued to check Craigslist from my iPhone. Wouldn't you know, Saturday morning I found the perfect rocker for sale...in Seattle! I emailed and let the seller know how much I loved her chair but wouldn't be able to come look at it until Sunday afternoon. She said Sunday worked for her and I crossed my fingers that it didn't sell before we made it home.

A couple hours ago, we brought home our new Dutailier rocker/glider with custom-made, removable/washable cushion covers. We absolutely LOVE it. It's exactly what we were hoping for and yet nothing like the other chairs we'd been looking at. See for yourself:

The best part is that it was below what we'd budgeted! Oh, and the seller ended up holding the chair for us! She had 4 other people interested but was waiting until we were able to see it. What a sweetheart!! And we can't wait to rock our sweetheart in this beautiful chair!

Dreams

I read somewhere that pregnant women often experience very vivid dreams. I definitely had some good ones a month or so ago but, of course, now I can't remember! However, very early this morning I had a dream that I haven't yet forgot. I'll preface this by saying I don't think there's any truth to this dream and we were away from home when I had it (in Portland for the weekend) sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. In my dream, I went into a labor and Matt was out of town somewhere. I couldn't get a hold of him or he couldn't make it back in time and I didn't know who to call. Or, rather, I couldn't think of anyone to call that would provide the comfort and coaching that I would need who lived nearby. In the delivery room, the nurses and doctor just kept shaking their heads pitying me saying, "this never happens...delivering your first child...alone!"

I told Matt about the dream on our drive home to Seattle. He asked if I knew who I would call now that I was awake. I said I'd want a woman, preferably one who'd given birth and would be empathetic. All of my family live too far away so I couldn't ask my Mom, Liz, or any of my Aunts. Jess lives too far away (Portland). My friend Monica, besides having a 4 month old, would have to take a ferry to make it to Seattle. The rest of my friends are currently child-free. Then Matt remembered his Aunt April and I immediately knew that's who I'd call. Couple problems: I don't have April's home or cell #s (a good reminder that I need to program them into my phone) and April & Peter are enjoying the semi-retired life now and are rarely in Seattle anymore. Later, I thought of my current and former bosses (all of them amazing women and loving mothers). Yeah, work relations might be a little awkward after something like that but it's definitely something no one would forget!

The moral of the story is that, while I recognize I probably won't need to deliver my first child alone, I don't think I'm going to let Matt wander too far in the weeks leading up to my due date. And, certainly, he can't go anywhere if I end up being late.

My Growing Body

Like many women, I'm not looking forward to getting huge during this pregnancy! In fact, prior to getting pregnant I was happier with my body than I've ever been. I'd seen a trainer a few times and had a couple workouts I really liked. I'd been doing less cardio (previously my only focus) and more weight-training. I guess I should feel lucky going into my first pregnancy in the best shape of my life.

I'm at 13 weeks and I've gained about 2 pounds. My OB says that's perfectly normal. She also said I could expect to see a big jump this month (5-6 pounds). I'm still wearing all of my regular pants and jeans. I'd like to make it through the coldest months before getting too huge. I'd prefer not to have to buy a new winter coat that will undoubtely make me look like a tent.

My goal is to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and see how much weight my body wants to gain. Still, I longingly look into my closet at all of my pretty tops and pencil skirts and tailored dresses and I can't help but feel a little sad that I won't be wearing any of those clothes for at least a year probably!

Baby Tray

Originally we were just calling the baby, the baby. Very original. Luckily, Matt has a great imagination and vivid dreams. After one too many episodes of 30 Rock, Matt had a dream that we named our kid Tray after Tracy Jordan/Morgan.

So, until we meet this little charmer and name him or her, the baby's nickname is Tray.

Seeing our baby

We've had 2 ultrasounds so far. The first was at 7 weeks and all we could really see was a blob and in the middle, a very fast heartbeat. Still, it was such a huge relief to know that all was well. You hear so many horror stories about blighted ovums and miscarriages, etc., it's impossible to describe the feeling the first time you see your baby.

Our 2nd ultrasound was at the very end of December. This ultrasound was part of the sequential screen and was performed outside of our regular OBs office. Just prior to this ultrasound, we went in for our regular check-up at which point the OB said she was going to try to find the baby's heartbeat using a doppler. She warned that at this stage (less than 12 weeks), it was a bit of a toss-up whether she would be able to hear the heartbeat. There was a moment when she put the doppler to my belly before she started to explain which heartbeat was mine and which was the baby's (you can hear both) when, once again, my heart sort of stopped in anticipation and fear.

At the sequential screen ultrasound, our baby actually looked like a baby and we could see it moving around. We could even make out tiny hands and feet. All of that and he/she was only 4cm long at the time!

The Obvious

The obvious is that I'm pregnant! Matt and I found out in mid-November and have been stealthily keeping it a secret ever since. Yes, it was planned! :) I'm due in July...on Matt's birthday, actually! No, we aren't going to find out the sex of the baby in advance. My sister-in-law once said not finding out is one of the few real surprises in life and I agree!

I've been feeling like total crap since around week 7. I've always had a weak stomach and was easily car-sick, plane-sick, sea-sick, etc. so it's really no surprise that this too has hit me pretty hard. I feel it every single day, some days worse than others.

I've been working out still, despite the extreme fatigue. It takes a lot of motivation to get to the gym but usually once I'm on the treadmill, I feel great within 10 minutes or so. Actually, my 60 minutes of exercise 3-4 days a week is typically when I feel the best. The only problem is that the soreness I used to enjoy after a nice workout is now extremely uncomfortable. Don't worry, I'm not pushing myself too hard.

A lot of OBs say you shouldn't get your heart rate above 140, but my OB said that given how athletic I've always been, I shouldn't need to make any serious adjustments. However, in preparation for getting huge and under the assumption that most everything is going to be more difficult when I'm further along, Matt and I have signed up for a intro-level yoga series. The series begins on February 1st and runs 12 weeks.

As you can imagine, Matt has been taking very good care of me. He's always been the cook in the family and now he's very focused on feeding me lots of leafy greens, protein-rich foods, and other foods rich in iron and folic acid. It's pretty wild how quickly your taste buds change when you're pregnant! I think about certain foods and want to throw-up a little. Things I used to love to eat aren't sounding very good these days.

Things that I continue to enjoy include: bacon (and all breakfast foods!), orange juice (I have a glass first thing out of the shower every morning), ice cream (salted caramel with a waffle cone), citrus fruits (loving the cuties in the stores right now!), peanut butter smoothies (always), and iced coffee (instead of the usual cafe au lait). I'm limiting my caffeine intake to 12 ounces or less per day. After extensive research and a lot of logical thinking, I'm still having the occasional sip of wine as well.

I hope to update this blog at least once or twice a week so thanks for checking in and please come back!