Pregnancy at 7 Weeks

I'm not sure why, but for some reason when I pictured becoming pregnant I pictured life as I knew it standing still, and the small being growing inside me consuming my every moment of thought and existence.

Instead, life goes on... As I know it. I still have the stress of work, bills, and everyday life, along with the additional very time consuming process of growing a baby.

It happened almost immediately. It was the only thing on my mind, the only thing I really wanted to talk about, think about, and focus on, but the unknowing minds have no idea about my... Circumstance. They may not get why I'm staring at the door as if there's a ghost in the threshold. Ticking in my mind is the internal debates: If I should try to stick it out in the crowded meeting room while my head spins from the heat and lightheadedness, or swiftly escape, and run to the bathroom before the saliva running down the sides of my mouth quickly transitions into vomit projecting the other direction.

Hours later I'm scoping out counter space in the back dark room. It's not a pillow, but it'll suffice as a spot for my head to lie for a few glorious moments of rest.

I've been very tired and very nauseous. I haven't puked yet, but I haven't felt up to blogging as much the past few days. But I'm back now... I think... I hope. Oh, and Tuesday is my first LIVE MomTV show at 10:30am EST... Let's pray I still won't be vomiting then! More on that later.

Friday I hit 7 weeks of pregnancy, and I hope every Friday to update what's going on with me according to the Baby Center email I get, and what I read in my weekly update of my iPhone ap "What to Expect." I got this idea from my friend Baby Dicky's blog, so I hope mine will be as fun to read. She's almost done (at 33 weeks!) and I can't wait to catch up!

I was too tired last Friday to write this out, so I'm catching up today!

So according to Baby Center:

How Spawnie's growing:
-Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles.
-Technically, my baby is still considered an embryo (although it's a baby to me) and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of Spawnie's tailbone.
-Spawnie has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, or about the size of a blueberry. My iPhone ap says it's more about the size of a raspberry... Of course I'd prefer the larger fruit, but as my friends on Twitter tell me "It doesn't matter, in 6 more months it'll be the size of a watermelon and kicking my ribs."
-Eyelid folds partially covering Spawnie's peepers, which already have some color
-Tip of Spawnie's nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin are also developing.
-Both hemispheres of Spawnie's brain are growing,
-And Spawnie's liver is churning out red blood cells until bone marrow forms and takes over this role.
-My baby also has an appendix and a pancreas now!
-A loop in my baby's growing intestines is bulging into Spawnie's umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from baby's tiny body.
As far as me:
-My uterus has doubled in size in the past five weeks.
-Morning sickness should be kicking in... oh wait, it already has. I'm not throwing up, thank goodness. But I feel on the verge of puking almost constantly.
-I may need to pee more than usual... Yep! Guilty. This is because of my increasing blood volume and the extra fluid being processed through my kidneys. I NEVER use to have to go pee often and now I wake up EVERY NIGHT. It's quite annoying, and I hear it'll only get worse!
-By now, I already have about 10 percent more blood than I did before I was pregnant. And by the end of my pregnancy, I'll have 40 to 45 percent more blood running through my veins.

And I know it's silly for me to take a belly picture already but I figure it's at least a starting point, so don't laugh.

How often did you take belly pictures?

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Word from a sponsor: To learn more about being 7 Weeks Pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

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2 Months Down 8 More to Go!

The hormones are BACK! I had an emotional breakdown break for a couple of weeks... No tears, no overly-stressed feeling, but they're back and they're taking a vengeance! My hormones kicked the Mojo out of me. I haven't wanted to blog, have lost the urge to Tweet, and all desire to read baby books.

All of a sudden I'm feeling in a panic and sorta thinking "WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" Hopefully this is normal and some hormonal thing or else I'm gonna be left feeling pretty crappy that I'm feeling this way.

Of course I'm happy, I'm excited, I'm grateful, I'm blessed... But I'm also FREAKING OUT. Part of it could be work too. I'm working 8 days in a row followed by one day off... That combined with constant exhaustion is bound to make for some weird emotions. I'm talking feeling ways I've never felt before... More on that later.

My friend @mommyingaround on Twitter showed me this cool picture of what my baby may look like right now. I picture Spawnie being a little darker, but I guess skin pigment comes later. This was some high-tech picture taken and featured in this news article album. When I showed the picture to my husband I half expected him to say something to the effect of "eew" or "scary" but I was instead delighted when he said "Wow, he's that big already?!"

I call Spawnie "she" or "Spawnie" and hubby sometimes jokingly calls our baby a "he" but we both think it's a girl.

But on to my 8-Week check up that I meant to write Friday as I hit 8 weeks. According to Baby Center...
Going on with Spawnie:
-Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from Spawnie's hands and feet
-Eyelids practically cover Spawnie's eyes
-Breathing tubes extend from the throat to the branches of developing lungs
-In Spawnie's brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways.
-Organs like the gallbladder are developing this next week.
-Spawnie is about the size of a green olive or kidney bean... Depending which site I'm reading.
Going on with mommy:
-My bra is much more snug. Not just where the ladies are, but around my ribcage. Apparently I could go up a cup size or two... Wow!
-Fatigue is taking over my life. It's because of a rise in progesterone.
-More nausea
-Getting up at night to pee.
-My pants are getting tighter. I had to unbutton my size 3 jeans and wear a long shirt over it half way through the day. My size 6 fit ok now. I hear it's bloating from progesterone. Thinking of getting a BellaBand.
Here's another picture! I think I look bigger than last week, but it could be the bloating. My friend @GracieKate on Twitter said her bloat bump was bigger than her 20 week bump so we'll see if it goes down!

I'm fairly small to begin with, plus I'm excited for a baby bump, so I sorta notice every bulge. Ok.. Wait, I just finished uploading the picture, I'm definitely bigger. Call it bloat, call it fat, but I prefer baby bump... Even if my baby is only the size of a green olive.

Word from a sponsor: To learn more about being 8 Weeks Pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

9 Weeks Pregnant and Getting Fatter!

I swear I get bigger as the day goes on. Last night I was getting undressed and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and GASPED! ...No lie, then I grabbed my stomach.

My iPhone ap said this would happen. The "What to Expect" one. It said this week I should take off my shirt, take a deep breath and look in the mirror! I know a lot of people don't start taking belly pictures until 12 weeks or so but I'm glad I have been. Even with my shirt on you can tell a difference in these pictures. Maybe it's because I was so small to begin with. Or maybe I was just REALLY bloated last night, I dunno.

I ran downstairs to show my husband.

"I've totally got a fat stomach now!" I told him.
"Really, have you been eating a l-- WOAH!" And he grabbed it. See, even he notices!
Here are the changes that happened with Spawnie during my 9th week according to Baby Center:
- Finally starting to look more and more human.
- Spawnie's essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months.
- Spawnie's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form as do tiny teeth.
- The embryonic "tail" is completely gone.
- My baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear.
- The external sex organs are there (Woohoo!) but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
- Eyes are fully formed, but Spawnie's eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks.
- Spawnie has tiny earlobes, and mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct.
- The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones and now Spawnie will start gaining a lot of weight.

Going on with me:
- Physically I'm getting bigger
-My nausea is getting worse though I still haven't vomited
- I'm still going through a lot of mood swings though I'm trying to control them better
-I'm ALWAYS craving potatoes:
There were several times this week that I ordered a baked potato along with french fries, then baked more of my own french fries when I came home. Then I bought potato skins... Oh and hash browns. I LOVE potatoes. Always have, but apparently Spawnie does too, which I'm happy about.

I went for a checkup last Tuesday and we didn't get to hear the heartbeat but we saw our baby again. Spawnie was much bigger and the heart was too! Next time, in December we'll get to hear it. My little person didn't want to move for us... I guess it was sleeping. I'm thinking of drinking a Dr. Pepper before the next ultrasound to see if I can get baby to move more. I can't wait to feel the kicking!!I'm so happy because this week, although I have to work on Thanksgiving, I have 4 days off! So I'll be catching up on a lot of rest, and getting Christmas decorations ready to put up. I've NEVER been in a hurry to put up Christmas stuff. In fact, I'm usually annoyed by people who skip Thanksgiving... That's me this year. A few people told me it's nesting, but I didn't think that happened so early.

I'm also still tired all of the time. When I get a break from work I enjoy lounging around and watching TV. Speaking of TV... Tuesday at 10:30am EST I'll have my 2nd MomTV show and I'll be answering your questions from my ask me anything post, and answering any other questions from the chatroom live!

And now... The must awaited photo.. You won't believe your eyes! Were you this big at 9 weeks? I will say... In the morning it's not as big, I think because I sleep on my stomach and back a lot and it flattens it out. By night time I look like this!PS: I forgot to add! At my last dr's appointment I had gained one pound (in 2 weeks) so I think I'm on track?!

To learn more about being 9 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner. (Sponsored)

10 Weeks Even Though I'm 11 Now

Before I get into my update I want to say a few things.

1. Like my new winter flair? I'm SO ready for Christmas this year, more than I normally am this time of year. I even put my tree up a day BEFORE Thanksgiving (Gasp!) Danielle, from The Design Girl helped me winterize my blog! She's having a special right now on Holiday designs, so go no over and check it out on her blog!

2. I am a finalist for best Mom2Be Blog. I LOVE the other bloggers, so I won't be offended if you don't choose me. However, I'm not too proud to beg, and I'd love it if you could take a moment to vote. There's not sign up required, and the contest goes on for two weeks. If I win I get a $50 for Spawnie to Baby Gap! Thank you!!


I wanted to still post a 10 week update even though as of Friday I'm 11 weeks. I also have a confession to make about this weeks photo. Usually I take the picture sometime between Friday or Sunday but last week I was looking so small that I waited until after dinner Tuesday to take this picture. I still don't think it's as big as week 9 but it just goes to show that your tummy size can go up and down at first when you're small and possibly bloated and whatnot!
This week was the first full week that I felt "publicly pregnant" the last couple of days at work. I unbuttoned and unzipped my pants so they'd be comfortable, slipped on my Bella Band and often glanced down at my tummy during the day.

To others it may look like I've eaten one too many orders of french fries, but to me, I know I've got my growing Spawnie in there.

According to the Baby Center weekly picture updat thingy Spawnie became more human-looking this week!-Spawnie can now bend at the limbs!
-Spawnie is now kicking up a storm (I just wish I could feel it!)
-More than an inch long now!
- This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in Spawnie's body rapidly grow and mature.

So this was all week 10 and I'm staring week 11 Friday. I'll post an update on that soon just so I catch up but tomorrow I've gotta tell you about my crazy cravings... Or maybe how I KNOW my dog knows I'm pregnant! Not sure which one yet, guess we'll see what I feel (or don't feel like) later!

Please remember to vote! Thanks!

To learn more about being 10 week pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner (sponsored).

Pregnancy at 11 and 12 Weeks

So I got behind. I figured I'd better update this now cause before we know it I'll be 40 weeks and ready to pop. ... Ok maybe not that quickly, but it seems that way for some people.

I'm on my 13th week now, I'll be 13 weeks Friday but I need to explain how the last two weeks have been cause I can't post about 13 before writing about 11 or 12 now can I?

So at week 11..
-I was still pretty tired
-feeling but not looking as fat
-still have my crazy cravings for potatoes
Spawnie:
-Tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under Spawnie's gums
-Some bones are beginning to harden.
-Spawnie is already busy kicking and stretching, but I won't feel it for another month or two.
-Nor will I notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that Spawnie's diaphragm is forming.

At 12 weeks..
Friday, I celebrated 12 weeks of pregnant in the bathroom hurling up my dinner. My mom said she was sick more during her second trimester so I was worried that was the beginning of mine. Thankfully I've felt good since that night.
-I'm not as tired lately and seem to be able to make it through the day without a nap.
-I'm eating more and craving more than just potatoes now.
-My six pack make a return today. I'm not sure where my belly went but I'm hoping it makes a return soon. So far my 9 week picture was the biggest so far.
Spawnie:
-Fingers will soon begin to open and close, his/her toes will curl,
-Spawnie's eye muscles will clench, and mouth will make sucking movements.
-Spawnie's intestines are protruding out near the umbilical cord but will soon all end up in his/her stomach cavity.
-His/her face looks more human now, the eyes are in front, and ears are in place to the side... Thankfully my Spawnie won't look like Alien Spawn forever.
-Spawnie is now about 2 inches long.

Babycenter also says if I prod my abdomen, Spawnie will squirm in response. We noticed this today at my OB appointment.

First off, when the doctor went to put the dopplar to my belly I lifted up my shirt above my belly button thinking it was up there but it was actually a lot lower and I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

We were listening for Spawnie's heartbeat and I got worried after a few moments when the doctor couldn't find it. I was telling myself to remain calm but I just kept thinking of the scene on Marly and Me (sorry if you haven't seen it)! She (my OB) was moving over to the left side of my belly when I heard a soft WOOSH WOOSH WOOSH... Really fast, and I recognized the sound cause I'd listened to it before on my friend's blog.

I had my iPhone ready to record but Spawnie kept moving around and turning so we'd keep hearing WOOSH WOOSH CRSKSDK, and my said OB Spawnie was moving around and that's what the noise was. I drank OJ before cause some people told me it gets the baby to move around, I wasn't sure if we'd get an ultrasound and I wanted to see baby move it so, but guess that's not the best idea for a dopplar check. I was too happy and excited to remember to take my phone out too, so no recording this time, but I'll remember at my next appointment in 4 weeks.

Spawnie's heart rate was strong and in the 160s, I think I heard her say 166. So... What do you think? Boy or girl? Don't forget to vote in the poll at the top!

Also, one lesson I've learned is belly size can go up and down! I'm not sure when mine will stick around but I'm hoping it decides to show up and stick around awhile... Might as well.

Did your belly size go up and down? When did you notice it pop out for sure?

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Also, I reached 5000 twitter followers to so celebrate I'm teaming with ModMomME to give away a custom key fob with your name on it. Just Tweet: "I would like to win this personalized keyfob http://bit.ly/84jmZr from @modmomME hosted by @FutureMama http://bit.ly/5fMrDu"You have until Friday to enter, we'll use Random.org to pick a tweet!

Also, I have TONS of pregnancy and fertility giveaways coming! Since my fatigue is leaving, I'm hoping to start up once a week again on Thursdays!

A word from a sponsor: To learn more about being 11 weeks pregnant and 12 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

13 Weeks and Counting

I can't believe so much time has gone by! Week 13 has been good to me so far. I'll be 14 weeks Friday and I'm feeling much better than I had been feeling the past month. I'm not as sleepy and not as nauseous. Certain foods still don't sit well with me during certain times and I still love potatoes and grapes (not together) more than anything. I have a few friends who told me they had ultrasounds around 12-13 weeks and could tell if they were having a boy or girl then. I'm DYING to go get a special 3D Ultrasound so we can tell what we're having but my husband is much more patient than I am, and says he can wait another 7 weeks... *sigh*.

Since I'm getting into my 2nd trimester I wrote my final post on my Conceive blog... You can read it here. It was so fun writing about my pre-pregnancy journey and some of my research.

I also wrote my first post for Modern Day Mom. They're going to be following my whole pregnancy and helping me through it! They have experts to talk with me about nutrition, fitness, financial planning and more! We'll also suppose to have fun contests where you help me pick out stuff for Spawnie and win things for your little one too!

Of course I'll keep blogging here, I actually have a whole lineup of fun giveaways too that I'll be doing throughout my pregnancy. I get quite a few request sometimes to write about different products related to children and/or pregnancy so I'm choosing my favorites to feature through my next 27 weeks! I'm not going to forget about all of my future mama friends either! They'll be plenty of stuff you can save, and fertility stuff too to help along the way!
Ok, so on to what Spawnie's looking like at 13 weeks:

-Fingerprints have formed on Spawnie's tiny fingertips
-My baby's veins and organs are clearly visible through his/her still-thin skin
-Finally, Spawnie's body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of its body size now.
-If Spawnie is a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries.
-Spawnie is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce.
Going on with Mommy:
-According to Baby Center, this is the last week of first trimester, and my risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy.
-Next week marks the beginning of my second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside.
-More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time (thank goodness cause I'll be honest, my friend Libby has been on 3 month vacation along with my Aunt Flow)
-My breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that will feed Spawnie for the first few days after birth, before my milk starts to flow.
-I'm noticing more round ligament pain as my uterus grows and expands. It's especially painful when I sneeze.

My stomach feels fattier. I had a chat with an RN today through my company's maternity benefits program and she answered a lot of my questions. I'm suppose to gain about 25-35 pounds through my pregnancy. I gained a pound and a half my first two months then went down to where I started at 12 weeks. We'll see where I'm at next time! I'm about 140lbs, so by the end of my pregnancy I may be about 175... That's the biggest I've ever been! Yikes!!

Oh, and any ideas of how to decorate a little tummy like mine for Christmas or the holidays? I'm entering a photo contest and need ideas! Mine may not be as big as some of the others so I've gotta be creative! I'm thinking of wearing this shirt @NanceAttack made for me and taking it next month if my tummy gets bigger by then.

Oh,and PS, question of the day: Did you have a doula? Why or why not? I'm debating getting one. I'll post my dilemma later this week but I'd love to know your quick thoughts for now as I sort through some of mine!

Sponsored: For more on being 13 week pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

Spawnie, You're 14 Weeks!

Dear Spawnie,

You are 14 weeks and 5 days old now. I'm trying really hard to write these updates on each of your weekly pre-birth days but I've been kind of bad about doing it on the day. Hopefully next week I'll be better.

We're eating a lot more now baby. And I guess that's a good thing because it means you're growing. I've heard people use the excuse "I'm eating for two" before but someone else ruined the news for me before I even became pregnant with you... They told me that doesn't mean I get to eat an extra 2,000 calories... But more like 250. It's ok though, cause although some times it feels like it, I'm not sure if we could eat that much if we tried.

Speaking of eating, you're making me eat the craziest things lately. This week we went shopping at Target and all of a sudden you told me you wanted a hot dog. I tell ya what Spawnie, that was the best tasting thing EVER! I felt like we were in heaven eating that hot dog.

And you're not going to believe this, but you wanted another hot dog for Christmas dinner! Your daddy thought I was crazy but I told him it was what you wanted. So we drove to 7/11 and got a hot dog. It didn't taste as good as the other one though, and I'm going to be honest, I didn't feel that good after eating it. I hope you liked it though.

I'm excited every Friday when I get an update from BabyCenter on what you look like now, and how you're developing.

This week you can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck your thumb! Your kidneys are producing urine, and I'm sorry to say it, but you're now swimming in it... You will be until birth. You can grasp, too! I can't wait until you're grasping on to my fingers.

From your head to your bottom, you measures about 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and you weigh 1 1/2 ounces. That's what BabyCenter says at least. M iPhone Ap says you now weigh 2-3 oz and are the size of a navel orange!!

By the end of this week, your arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of your body! I'm really excited about that too since the next time I see you you'll look like a real little baby!

Your hands and feet are more flexible now too and I wish I could feel all of your little kicks and punches!

You're getting so much bigger now that my stomach is starting to stick out. No one at work really believes I've gained weight but when I wear certain clothes you can totally tell my tummy's getting bigger.

You have no idea how excited I am to feel you kicking in my tummy, to have your daddy feel it to, and of course I'm most excited to meet you! We both are!

Last night we watched a movie called The Business of Being Born. Your dad got grossed out quite a bit, but we talked a lot about how we'd like to bring you in the world. We're hoping to make it a personal experience with the three of us, but we're mostly hoping you'll get here safe and sound.

I love your daddy so much and every day I look at him I study his face and wonder what features you'll get from him. We love each other so much and we're so excited to welcome you to our little family! Oh, and Snoop is excited to meet you too. He can tell you're in my tummy. I know it cause he's always acting funny.

Sweet dreams little Spawnie, your mommy loves you!

***Question of the Day: How long was it before you felt your baby kicks from the insite then outside?***

Sponsored: To learn more about being 14 weeks pregnant visit pregnancy corner.

We've Got 15 Weeks Down!

Dear Spawnie,

I have such exciting news to report this week. Babycenter tells me you now measure about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces... About the size of an apple, and APPLE! Can you believe it?!

You're already busy moving amniotic fluid through your nose and upper respiratory tract, which is helping the air sacs in your lungs develop. Your legs are growing longer than your arms now, and you can move all of your joints and limbs.

Although your eyelids are still fused shut, you can now sense light! Apparently if I were to shine a flashlight at my tummy, you'd be likely to move away from the beam. Don't worry though, I won't torture you with that... Maybe not until you start kicking my ribs.

If we did an ultrasound this week I'd probably be able to see what you are... Boy or girl that is, but sadly I won't know for four more weeks. I know you know but to me, this is torture not knowing. So far all of the tests are telling my boy, so I'm pretty much convinced you're a boy, but your daddy still thinks you're a girl.

As far as your mommy goes, I've been gaining some weight. We go in for another appointment to hear your little heartbeat on Monday so I'll also get weighed then and see how much I've gained. Last month I had gone down, and back to my origional weight, but this month I'm sure I've gained... Maybe even 5 pounds! We'll see.I've had a stuffy nose and cold this week but I guess... Like everything else, that can be seen as a pregnancy symptom too. Another crazy thing that happened this week... You kicked my belly button out!! Just look! I can't believe it. I hear it only gets bigger as my tummy does. Your daddy is already making "outtie" jokes. You're going to have to poop on him or something later to get him back for me.
Your daddy and I decided not to get the tests done to see if you may have any genetic problems. We decided we'd love you either way, but we're sure you're perfectly healthy.

I have a lot more energy lately and the biggest news of the week... I felt you move around!! It was New Years Eve, and you were about 15 weeks old exactly and you felt like a slow moving bubble in my stomach. I felt you then, two days ago while we were riding in the car, and last night. I think you're a night owl like mommy. I can't wait until I feel you every day, and when your daddy can feel you too.

Sleep well little baby, and grow strong. We're doing our best to get ready for you and we're really excited to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

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For more in depth information on being 15 Weeks Pregnant visit PregnancyCorner.com- Sponsored by Pregnancy Corner.

Questions of the day:
1. Did your bellybutton pop out during pregnancy? Did it go back in after?
2. Which one of these baby monitors should I get? Please vote for your favorite, the one with the most votes, I can win!

16 Weeks: Dear Spawnie... I'm Sorry.

Dear Spawnie,

I think there's something very important you should know about your mom... See, I'm a little crazy sometimes. Now don't get scared, I don't mean crazy like screaming and yelling and things of that sort... You won't hear me yell very often if ever. But I guess what I mean so say is that I'm a little goofy, and I'm really competitive. I think this is a good quality for the most part but sometimes I wonder how much of this will rub off on you, and how much pressure I'll put on you.

I keep telling your daddy that you're going to be a football player and win the Heisman.. Oh yea, did I mention I think you're a boy? I'll be really surprised if you're not, then we're gonna have to rethink this Heisman thing. But anyway, you dad says most professional players don't win that and that the percentage of people who do is like sooooo small. I just tell him someone's gotta win it, why not you? The fact that your dad and pretty much no man in our family has played college football may hurt your odds but I don't think it's impossible.

Don't worry I'm not gonna be one of those crazy moms that's yelling at the refs at the game. I don't like those people now so I'll work hard to make sure I don't end up becoming one. I'll also let you choose the sport you want to play. Just PLEASE don't choose golf. It's not that fun to watch. I'm not a big baseball fan either, and your dad doesn't like soccer. So I think that leaves you with football and basketball. Just kidding... Choose what you want (just not golf!).

I'm thinking about my competitiveness right now because we're (me and you) in a competition to win some cool stuff. The main thing for you is a breast pump... You've gotta eat right? I'll need one of these when I go back to work. I think I've been driving some people crazy begging for votes but ya know what? It's ok! Here's a lesson for you Spawnie: "Those who mind, don't matter, those who matter don't mind." But only use that for noble causes ok? That saying doesn't work if you're doing something ridiculous.

Next, I'm just so excited to meet you! I know you have a lot more cooking to do, but it's just the craziest thing being pregnant. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and I really don't want to take it for granted. I told you last week I feel you move sometimes now. Most of the time it feels like tiny bubbles popping but once the other night it felt like a muscle spasm. I'm not sure if it was my muscle or you kicking like crazy!

I'm already thinking about the things that we're going to do once you get here. I can't wait to carry you around in different kinds of wraps and take you on trips with me. I'm really hoping we'll be able to save enough money so we can spend the whole 12 weeks off together. I hope to take you to see family in Utah and Georgia and maybe even friends at a blog conference in New York!

You're about the size of an avocado now... It seems as though my different sites are agreeing on the food you're equivalent to this week. You're about 4 1/2 inches long now, but in the next few weeks you'll go through a BIG growth spurt and in the next few weeks you'll DOUBLE your weight from about 3 1/2 oz right now. I have a feeling you're bigger. I was 7lbs 3 oz and your Dad was 10 pounds 2 oz. I'm hoping you're not that big. I'm sure that would make you cute and chubby but possibly painful to push out. Either way I'll be happy to see you and grateful that you're healthy.

One thing I read that you're developing this week is your sense of hearing loud noises. Our smoke alarm went off a couple of times this week (mommy's cooking) and I was thinking you probably heard that. I'm going to start playing music to you soon so you can start to get some rhythm. I'm also curious to see if you're recognize the songs after you're born.
We had an appointment today and got to hear your heartbeat again. I remember to record it this time so I could hear it over and over again and I LOVE the sound. I can't stop smiling when I listen to it. Last time your heartbeat was in the 160s this time it was 148. You kept swimming away though so we had to chase your little heartbeat around. The nurse said you're very active. We scheduled our next appointment for three weeks from now and we'll find out if you're a boy or a girl! I can't wait!!

People at work say I'm showing now. I think it's cause I was so small to begin with and you have no place to go but out. Oh! I gained 4 pounds this last month!

I'm so overly excited about you and everything about you and it's really feeling more real. My friends tell me you're going to start kicking a lot more and keeping me up and night and stuff but I don't mind... I can't wait! I can't wait to show you off and play with you and kiss your cheeks!

Although you're not even a pound yet I'm already so proud of you! If when you're growing up I act a little crazy, and over protective, and overzealous I'm sorry. But don't worry... You're mom is a little crazy but it's because I love you!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: Did you play music for your baby while you were pregnant with them? Do you think they remembered any songs after?

For more information about being 16 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

Winner of the Mom-to-be Lamaze gift set according to Random.org: Commenter #37 Mariana! Congrats! Please email me your info to babymakingmachine(at)gmail.com.

You're 17 Weeks and Gave Us a Big Surprise!

Dear Spawnie,

This week, without a doubt I know you are one strong little cookie. I wasn't so sure about your kicks before and people joked it could have been gas but this week I know without a doubt that I feel you kicking... A lot! It's really quite surprising to me actually. You’re kicking right now as I write this out. I say kicking but I guess technically it could be you flinching/ spazing out.

Last week I asked a few people how early they could feel you from the outside and most seemed to say sometime in the 20th weeks. One friend said her husband could listen and hear her baby move before then so I told your daddy to try to listen for you. He couldn’t hear anything but between you and me I don’t think he was trying very hard... And I don’t think he has such good hearing.
A few nights later though I felt you moving and I put my hand over you to see if I could feel you on the outside. To my surprise I could! So I went over to your daddy and had him keep his hand there cause I knew you’d move again and I wanted him to feel it. Once I felt you kick I looked over at your daddy and I saw his face light up. I knew he felt you, his face said it all. He said he did feel you and that it was crazy thinking that you’re actually in there moving around.

Since I'm only 17 weeks along it makes me wonder who big you are in there. I've told you before your dad was 10lbs 2 oz so it makes me think that maybe you'll be bigger than normal. Or perhaps you're just stronger which I think will help you win the Heisman... hehe. Kidding kidding!

I had a root beer the other night and you started moving around like crazy! I hadn’t had much carbonation since being pregnant so I think it was new for you. I am excited to feel you more and more as we get bigger and bigger!

This week your skeleton is changing soft cartilage to bone, and your umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. You weigh about 5 ounces now… About as much as a turnip, and you’re around 5 inches long from head to bottom. You can move your joints, and your sweat glands are starting to develop.Mommy can’t sleep as comfortably anymore. If I try to sleep on my stomach I feel a little queezy, probably because I’m squishing you. If I lay on my sides my hips hurt, I think cause the weight of you pulls me more forward. I’m using a pillow between my knees for now to help but I’m getting a nicer one soon! Don’t worry though; my lack of sleep is totally worth it for you!

I can’t believe we’re almost half way there and get this… Just 12 days until I know if you’re a boy or a girl! I really hope you cooperate for the cameras cause I don’t want to leave until I see what you are!
I really don’t mind either way. If I were to guess based on mommy’s instincts I’d say you’re a girl, but based on all of the tests I’ve taken I’m thinking you’re a boy. Obviously it’s one or the other! I’m just so excited to know so I can start shopping for you. Call me picky but the unisex outfits just aren’t as fun or cute to me. I do have little outfits in mind for you already though on way or another don’t you worry! You’ll be a very stylish baby!

Keep cooking Spawnie, I can’t wait to meet you!

Love,

Mommy

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18 Weeks Pregnant: I Can't Believe It

Dear Spawnie,

You are more than 18 weeks along now. It's really crazy how big you're getting and how quickly this is all going along. We're almost HALF WAY there!! Can you believe it?! I can feel you every day now. I really love it, sometimes you kick harder and longer than other times... Like when I'm at work and reading the news. I'm not sure if you really hate my voice or really like it but you kick a lot when I'm doing that. I laugh to myself when I think about what you must be thinking.

I can't help but wonder if you're strong cause of the vitamins I'm taking. I've been taking them since before I was pregnant with you so I could get my body to stock up on the goods for you. Maybe that's why I can feel you so much already.

Monday your daddy and I find out if you're our son or our daughter. We're very excited to know... Especially me. I can't wait to go out and buy you a little sporty outfit, or a dress. I think I'll go straight to the store after we find out to celebrate.

I already feel a little bad for your siblings after you. I'm so excited and I love you so much already I just feel like you feel complete our family! I hear the first pregnancy is the most exciting. It's hard to imagine being this excited every time. Don't tell your future brother or sisters how excited I am about you ok? They may get jealous!

You are on my mind ALL of the time now! I think about what you're doing, how you're feeling, what I've been feeding you, what you'll look like, how big you're getting, if you'll get here ok... It never ends! I'm just SO EXCITED to meet you and hug you and kiss you, and I can't believe you're actually MINE! It's really crazy to think about it. I love your daddy a lot and it's so cool thinking about you being exactly one half of me and one half your daddy. I hope you get his good looks.

Spawnie, I'm getting huge! I guess that means you are too, but more on that in a moment.

We already have plans for the three of us! Next year, when you're over a year old we want to take you to a football game... BYU vs UT. It's gonna be AWESOME. And we'll get you all dressed up in BYU gear. You need to watch the game if you're going to play it (assuming you're a boy).

You're about 5 inches long now, and you're flexing your joints more, you're also forming this weird skin stuff around you this week to keep you from getting all wrinkly while you're floating around in there.

You're making mommy have to go to the bathroom a lot, and I've been very faint when standing for a long time... I've blacked out twice at work in the past few weeks... But that's another story. The doctors say we're ok, I just need to drink more water and sit down when I feel the symptoms coming on. (Photo from Baby Center)

You're also taking up a lot more space in my stomach now. Last night my stomach was hurting REALLY BAD and I wasn't sure if it was because I was having Braxton Hicks contractions or if you've just pushed my stomach way up to my chest and it was hurting from all of the moving. When I took a picture of my stomach this week I noticed my bump got more stretched out, and it looks like I'm carrying you higher now. According to the wives tales that means you're a girl! We shall see in just 5 days!

I love you Spawnie, keep on growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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A word from a sponsor: Learn more about being 18 weeks pregnant from Pregnancy Corner.

Question of the day: Did you feel like your stomach was squished up into your ribs? What did Braxton Hicks contractions feel like ot you and when did you get them?

19 Weeks and Mystery to be Revealed!

Dear Spawnie,

This may be one of the last times I address you as Spawnie. Maybe not. I kinda like the nickname and I think I'll keep calling you that after I know what you are.

I just wanted to give you a little talk before we go to the doctors TODAY! I'm going to be frank with you like I was frank with my Aunt Flow before you came along.

You're about 19 and a half weeks now... Your boy or girl parts should be showing very obviously. I've been studying ultrasound pictures myself lately and I've kinda got it down... Turtle head poking out=boy and three white lines= girl. The possible problem will come in if you decide to fall asleep in a bad position while we're doing the scan and we can't determine what you are.

This would be very bad Spawnie, because, you see... I have plans for us. Right after our appointment we're going to get you a new outfit and start shopping for some of your room decorations. I also am having a BIG PARTY the Tuesday where I plan to tell everyone what you are. This won't work if you hide. Not only that but your mommy will be very sad and crying a lot, but the doctors office will probably have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

I've heard drinking orange juice before helps get babies to move around a little. You're normally pretty active so I'm not too worried, I just worry that 2pm may be your nap time... Which can't happen tomorrow. But you also can't move around too much cause then we won't be able to tell!

I know there's a chance they can get it wrong, but I'm taking my chances. If they tell me one thing and you come out another that'll be a BIG SURPRISE and pretty dang funny if you ask me. That said... I still plan to take their word for it! I really don't mind either way what you are, I'm just ready and excited to KNOW!

Your sensory development is exploding now! Your brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Quite a few sites tell me that you may be able to hear my voice now, so I'm trying to sing to you sometimes, play music for you. I even bought an iPhone ap today with good prenatal lullabys to play for you. I also need to make a new playlist with church music, and soon I hope to start recording your daddy and mine's voice reading books to you and play them to you on our Lullabelly.

I also got you a BabyPlus which uses beats and rhythms that are suppose to help your learning skills. We shall see what this all does to you Spawnie! I dunno about you but I already think you're smart. I can feel it!

(photo from babycenter)

You weigh about 8 1/2 ounces now and measure 6 inches, head to bottom. Your arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of your body now. Oh and get this baby... Your hair on your scalp is sprouting! I had a dream two nights ago you were a German baby and you had blond hair and for some reason could only understand me if I spoke German. I'll have to tell you more about that later.But back to your task... Show yourself today. It's the one time I'll tell you not to be shy about your privates! See the pose the baby in this picture is doing? I'm sorry, it doesn't look very comfortable but that's the PERFECT place to be for us to see if you're a boy or girl. Listen to your mommy and do as I say!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: What have you heard is good for getting a good ultrasound view of boy or girl parts? Foods to eat? Myths? I'll try it! Also, were you told results that were proven wrong at birth?

Brought to you by: Pregnancy Corner check out their site for more information on being 19 Weeks Pregnant!

20 Weeks Down 20 Weeks to Go!

Dear Spawnie,

We've made it! Can you believe it? We are to our half-way point! Not only that, but this week I found out you're my baby GIRL! I can't believe it. Partly because all of the tests seemed to think you were a boy and partly because it just seems to good to be true! I know boys aren't that bad but girls are just so much fun! I told myself if you were in fact a girl then I'd be in for it, cause you're one to go against the grain already. But you know what... That's a lot like your mommy!

Let me tell you something little girl... I want you to know you can be WHATEVER you want to be! You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter, a teacher, and you can be a mom too! As you're growing up you'll see all sorts of moms and women who do all sorts of things! I want you to know you can go for whatever you dream! I did, and I'm so happy I did. Especially since I'm finally going for my biggest dream, and that's to have you!When we went in this week for our ultrasound I was SO surprised to see you were a girl. Finding that out really made me the happiest mommy alive! It also makes all of this seem so much more real!

Your daddy bought you a dress that day and I got you one the next day. People tell us not to buy too many clothes and to stock up on things like diapers but it's so hard when dresses are the fun things. I'm not sure I'll ever buy you a pair of pants!

When we got your measurements you were looking nice and healthy! You kicked me quite a bit during the ultrasound too! I could see it and feel it at the same time! You were upside down, it didn't look very comfortable, you were really standing on your head! I was worried at first because your pictures didn't look like other pictures I've seen where they can clearly make out all of the body parts. At first it looked like you didn't have any arms! But you aren't armless! The tech pointed out your arms to us!
You look like you're weighing about 10 1/2 ounces now. You should be about 6 1/2 inches long now, or about the length of a banana. I can't remember what you measured to exactly during the ultrasound.

You're swallowing more now, which apparently is good for your digestive system.

There were a couple of things the doctor talked to us about concerning you. Number one, mommy is five months pregnant now and I've only gained about 3 pounds! You wouldn't think it looking at this picture though. You can even see my belly button sticking out through my shirt!

I don't get a lot of time to eat during the week when I'm working hard so I'm going to make a conscious effort to eat more this week. We also couldn't see the front of your face because of the way you were positioned so we'll be doing another ultrasound in three weeks to make sure you're looking nice and healthy there too... I'm sure you are! We also have to get more pictures of your umbilical cord.I'm already beginning to shop for you! I ordered you a princess book, and some other story books. I also got some butterflies to decorate your room with, and I'm looking for your crib bedding now! I can't wait to meet you my little daughter... Oh. And we decided on your name! I hope we don't change it, I like it! But I'm not telling anyone yet. I will tell you though that you and I will have the same initials! J.L.!

Love you baby girl, keep growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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Question of the day: Did you ultrasound pictures confuse you too or did your baby look more like a baby at 20 weeks?

A word from a sponsor: For more in depth information about being 20 weeks pregnant check out Pregnancy Corner.

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21 Weeks Pregnant With a Dancing Baby

Dear Daughter,

I had a dream about you last night. It seemed so real. I was holding you, staring into your beautiful big hazel eyes, adoring your caramel skin and head full of fluffy hair. I was kissing your sweet cheeks.

I woke up feeling so sad at the realization that you weren't here with me, my eyes still water every time I think about that dream and the love I feel for you already. But then I pat my big belly and know that it won't be long before we meet face to face. It all feels so much more real now, so much stronger. I'm ACTUALLY having a baby... You, my baby girl, my daughter! Daughter... I can't get use to that word. Just about every day I've bought something else for you. I'm thinking more seriously about how I want you to come into the world. I didn't think I cared that much before, so long as you're healthy, but I'd really like it to be a pleasant experience if possible, and I'd like to be able to play with you shortly after if you're up for it. By playing I mean dress up, I have so many things I want you to try on. You are going to be my little baby doll.

Babydoll... Hmm, maybe that will be the new nickname I call you. Your father says I don't have to call you Spawnie anymore since we know you're a girl but I can't help it sometimes.

I feel you every day. Usually in the evening, or during the day when we're using your BabyPlus. I'm not sure if you love it or hate it but I know you love to move around when that thing is on!

You also seem to like to dance around when I'm playing music. Earlier this week I hadn't felt you move yet that day and I started playing the song "Daughters" by John Mayer and you started kicking a lot. Sometimes you used to feel like flutters but now I can feel your big kicks!
You now weigh about three-quarters of a pound and are about 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot! In other developments, your eyebrows and lids are now developed, and if you're lady parts are also developing!

I'm soooooo so so excited to meet you. Some days I wake up worried I've been dreaming it all. This really does all feel too good to be true. And I give thanks in my prayers every day to be so blessed to be having you.

Every day when I look at your daddy and Snoop I picture you joining us in a matter of months and my heart just melts from the excitement and joy. I know there will be hard times with lack of sleep and lots of tears. I know there will be times when we're both crying, I'm sure if it. But I know that it will all be worth it, and that we're all going to make a great team!

Keep growing little girl!

I love you with all my heart,

Mommy

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An now, a word from our sponsors: For more in depth information about being 21 weeks pregnant visit Pregnancy Corner.

Still Alive! At 22 Weeks Pregnant

My dear little LadyBug,

This past week was a pretty difficult week for us. Definitely the most difficult so far. I think part of it is my hormones are magnifying the stress I was already feeling. Then I got sick. I went to the Dr's office to see if you were ok because I just didn't feel right. My stomach hurt and I wasn't sure if I was having contractions. When we went in they checked your heartbeat and you were swimming around, so it was hard for the midwife to keep track, but you were doing just fine! Sure enough it was just a stomach bug and I threw up a bunch. I guess it was payback since I didn't have much morning sickness.

The next day I was really weak because I hadn't been eating anything the day before, but I had to go into work for a couple of hours. It ended up being a scary day later when I passed out at the store. I didn't fall on you or hit my head though, so I was grateful for that. And since then I've been doing SO much better!

I'm trying to get used to having a bigger belly now. I was so excited to have my tummy grow and grow and grow but the bigger I get now, the more I realize it's not the most comfortable predicament. It's nothing to really complain about, but I notice it's harder to get my socks and shoes on, and it takes quite a bit of effort to pick things up on the floor. It's also weird but I feel like I'm always full because my stomach is so stretched out. Now's the time I need to remember that stretch mark cream!

My back also hurts a little more now that my weight is shifting. I know I need to improve my posture, and I think prenatal yoga will help too. I'm just a little worried to think about how it's going to get over the next several months! ... I try not to think about it too much right now.

On to the good news now...
Your daddy says he'll help me put my socks and shoes on when I can't do it anymore. You have a really good dad. Just wait until you meet him! In the mornings when we wake up, and at night when I come home he rubs on my belly and tries to feel you kicking. You've been kicking a lot harder this week, I even noticed you kicking hard enough so I could see my skin bounce up! I put a cell phone over you on my stomach and you kicked it off! I tried to get it on video tape but you of course, stopped just in time.

I love feeling you move around in there. Sometimes if I think too hard about it it seems strange, but it's really comforting knowing you're ok!

Oh my goodness Babydoll, I got the CUTEST outfits for you this week. I've stopped shopping for awhile now but I have over 20 dresses for you already ranging up to 1 yr old. So don't you worry girl, you're going to be STYLING!

I also just learned how to make you tutus and now I'm OBSESSED! I've decided I'm going to make you tutus to match Snoop (that's your dog)'s dog collars, and we're all going to go out on walks together and trips to Petsmart and MATCH! I'm excited because it gives me an excuse to stop ignoring Snoop and make him some new stuff too! I think I've spent a little bit too much money on tulle for the tutus this week, but at least I know you'll have one for every season.

I'm also making good progress on your mobile. I think I'll be finishing it this week! I'm a little worried because I have so many ideas for your room and so many things I'm already planning to put in there, I wonder how it'll all come together. I'm not a good decorator, and I'm sure you won't mind either way but I really want it to be pretty for you!

I started reading books to you this week. I read you two Dr. Seuss books I liked from when I was a kid. I'm hoping to keep the tradition up, and read to you every night after you're born! I want you to love books like your mommy does!

(photo courtesy of BabyCenter)

I couldn't believe how big you look now when I look at this picture for this week. You're about 11 inches and almost 1 pound.

You're starting to look like a miniature newborn. Your lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and you're even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. Your eyes have formed, but your irises don't have color yet. When they do I wonder what color they'll be! I have dark brown eyes and your daddy has blue eyes. Inside your belly, your pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
I get to see you today for another ultrasound to check on your face and umbilical cord so hopefully I'll see how long and big you are too! I'm excited and hoping you're in a better position for pictures this time because I want to update the photo on my desk and another frame we have at home. I'm a little sad because this will be the first appointment your daddy can't come to (he has to work). So it'll be just you and me. You'll have to behave and pose pretty for pictures so I can show your daddy when we get home!

I love you baby girl. Keep growing strong!


Love,

Mommy

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I Can't Believe I'm 23 Weeks!

Dear Baby Girl,

I can't believe I'm already more than 23 weeks pregnant and that I'm going to meet you in a little more than 16 weeks. It's really quite crazy when I think about it. I'm trying so hard to get everything organized before you get here. It's not as easy as it looks because number one, I work a lot... A lot, a lot. During my free time I usually want to make you something for your room or try to set something up for you but I usually get so tired that it it takes me weeks to do something that would normally take hours.

I know people say having a baby is so hard and so time consuming and can be so stressful, but to be honest I kind of look forward to things slowing down once you get here. Sure, we'll be up together a lot around the clock, but I think it will be nice to just focus on you for a little while and not have a million other things running through my head. Like right now for instance... I'm thinking about waking up in less than 7 hours to go to work and thinking about what I'm going to be covering. I'm thinking about a post I need to write for another blog that I have, and I'm thinking about a half-dozen emails I need to respond to. Also in the back of my mind is finishing making what started as 90 hair bows for people who donated to March of Dimes just before I found out I was pregnant with you.

Your mommy is one busy lady! One BIG busy lady... I use to be so excited to get all big and fat with pregnancy but I'm really starting to feel like I'd be happy if I stayed about where I am now. I can't believe my stomach will probably more than DOUBLE in size!

Of course, in my business I'm always thinking about you, and what you're doing in there, and how you're feeling, and if I'm eating right, and if you're going to get here safely. I also am thinking about where I'm going to put all of your clothes!! We really need to get you a dresser because I think you already have more clothes than your daddy. Mommy's not the only one shopping for you anymore either. Your grandma sent a box of cute stuff for you and your daddy is already scoping out pink sports attire for you. He says he's rather buy it for you once you get here though.

This week I know your sense of movement is well developed by now, you can feel me dance around, and believe it or not I do that from time to time. Probably more so now that I know you can sense it. You should now be more than 11 inches long and weigh just over a pound. I can even see you squirm underneath my clothes.

(photo from Baby Center)

Blood vessels in your lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. Your ears are getting better and better now too. You can hear Snoop barking and it probably won't bother you once you're born! If it does though we'll understand cause he doesn't bark often, and when he does it kinda scares us all.

Speaking of Snoop, he LOVES to lay by you. He curls up right on my lap next to you. You even kicked him this week! He didn't seem to notice... Or mind.

I've noticed this week I've started to worry more about you when I notice you haven't moved for a little while. You usually always are moving when I first wake up so when you don't I worry a little. I guess I'm just going through a worry phase. I hope it doesn't last for long cause I'm usually not a pessimist. I just want so badly for you to get here safely and I've heard so many sad stories that make me nervous sometimes.

I'm so grateful for you and grateful to be having you little girl! Keep growing strong!

Love,

Mommy

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