Bump Photo - Week 17

Everything looks pretty much the same as last week, bump wise. We're supposed to get a snow storm this weekend so you can see I'm layered up for warmth. What you can't see are my long underwear pants - I cannot get through winter without them, even in NC. I keep expecting to be warmer than normal, with the extra hormones pumping through me, but so far I only get hot once I go to bed.

Also, I decided to list my clothing sources for my bump photos. This is not because I think I look awesome all the time. Or so I want you to think. Really, it's not. Some days I'm doing good to find clean clothes. I have noticed some other women doing it on non-fashion blogs and I want in on the fun. I don't know what good this does for you since it's possible these clothes were purchased years ago (they were) and you probably can't buy them now (you can't). Do with that what you will.

Sweater: Old Navy
Blue Tee: Express
Gray Tee: Forever 21
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft (very much unbuttoned)

Older Photos
Week 16

Dude, Where's My Rack?

When I found out I was pregnant I looked forward to three things:

1- Having a cuddly, squishy baby to bring home
2- Sporting a cute little (then not so little) baby bump
3- Growing giant boobs

Being a lifetime member of the IBTC* I relished the thought of having the impressive rack I had always dreamed of.

Let's see where I am, goal-wise:

1- If sonograms are to be believed, there is indeed a baby squirming around in there
2- I have a mini-bump that seems to get a bit bigger and firmer every day
3- Boobs? Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

I am still, infuriatingly, fitting into my pre-pregnancy bras. What to Expect said that my breasts could swell up as early as 6 weeks.** Some helpful moms in forums agreed that it would happen by the beginning of the second trimester. Well, here I am in the 17th week and I have yet to have my much-promised boob-a-palooza. Literally every other mom I've come in contact with (books, blogs, magazines, forums, etc) has talked about needing the sweet comfort of a maternity bra, but I'm still holding down the fort with my stupid, tiny under wire bras.

This is all very Are you there God? It's me, Margaret and for that I apologize. I just want my giant tits!

*If you don't know what that means, clearly you never attended middle school.
**Get crazy sore and wake me up in the middle of the night? Yes. Blossom into womanhood? Not so much.

Week 16

Nothing Earth shattering here, just some simple updates.

Yesterday I went for my 16 week appointment with my midwife. Everything looks good. Blood pressure and urine sample were normal. The heartbeat sounded strong - although it took my midwife a while to locate it. PANIC! Where did my baby go? Oh, it's still there. Whew. - around 135 bpm. My much-debated weight gain is back on track. I'm almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I'm told one pound a week, starting in week 20, is the best way to track what's healthy.

I had lots of questions for her and she answered them all and put my mind at ease. I later felt guilty about it, but Steven assured me I'm not the only first-time mom to have a billion questions.

One of my big questions was how to prepare for the birth - should I take birthing classes? If so which method? Do I need a doula? Doulas cost how much?* In the end we decided on taking classes on The Bradley Method, which is a 12 week curriculum. My midwife said that hiring a doula will really be up to Steven. If, after attending some of our classes, he feels like he's 100% ready to be my one-and-only coach then a doula is unnecessary. However, if he breaks out in a cold sweat and doesn't think he can handle the pressure, a doula might be the way to go. I think we'll end up not needing one because my husband is one of the most focused and determined (read: not afraid to yell at me when I'm being a lazy ass) people on the planet. I have full faith that he will get me through this.

My last question was about the shingles. My midwife assured me that I would be fine as long as she didn't have any "sores, pox or lesions**" and I avoid her saliva. So no 87 year old french kissing for me. *sigh* After my appointment, I call my MIL to give her the good news and apparently the shingles are now a moot point. Grandmother was such a pain in the ass Grandpa took her back to Alabama first thing yesterday morning. So that lasted all of four days and I panicked for nothing.

In other news, I am having a great time dressing and accessorizing my mini-bump. I found out last week that if I wear blousy tops, I just look fat. But if I wear more fitted tops it reads as a bump and I come off looking cutely pregnant. So yay! I'm slowly starting to wear some maternity clothes, but I don't really need them yet. I just like wearing them because I can.

That's all for now. Stay tuned for a new bump photo on Friday!

*Hint: it's a lot.
**It sounds so much worse when you type it out like that.

Book Report: Belly Laughs

I just finished reading Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy.

It's a light and fast read. I read it in 4 days, picking it up here and there, but you could easily read it in one sitting. Each chapter is only a few pages long and it reads like talking to a girlfriend.

It's light-hearted, honest and straight forward. However, do not read this to dip your toe into pregnancy reading material. This tome is her telling of her individual pregnancy experience. She had every symptom and side effect possible, so it might freak you out if you haven't read a more balanced perspective.

For the most part I enjoyed it, but there were a few chapters that I questioned. In her section on food and cravings, she mentioned that she craved brownies. So she baked and ate a WHOLE PAN of brownies EVERY NIGHT. She even went so far as to say this is the only time in life when you can pig out, so really enjoy your cravings. Then, two chapters later she quips about gaining 60 pounds as opposed to the doctor recommended 20-35. I'm thinking 'Hello? It's because you ate your weight in brownies!' In the words of Shatner, I CAN'T GET BEHIND THAT! I'm not about to say a woman shouldn't indulge her cravings, but come on! Have some limits! If you gain weight in moderation, you won't have to end up a spokeswomen for Jenny Craig. Meow

But please, don't let my rant discourage you from picking up this book. If you ignore her advice on cravings and weight gain this is a good read. A very refreshing change of pace from the super serious What To Expect series.

Easy Access Pants

No, not like that! What kind of a girl do you think I am? Although what's the worst that could happen? I accidentally get knocked up... again? Right. Anyway.

I have gotten to the point where I am most comfortable wearing belly-friendly pants. I have two pairs of actual maternity pants, but I can't wear them everyday - because, gross - so other days I have to improvise. I am now a huge fan of the belly band. The 'original' band is more expensive, but you can easily find yourself a knock-off. I got my first one from Target and I recently picked up a few handmade options from Etsy.

The obvious upside to belly-friendly pants is that they stretch around your growing bump. Duh. However there is an added benefit* I never even thought about... until now. Because they're super stretchy, they don't have any pesky buttons, zippers, snaps or those big bra hooks they put on trousers. So when I run to the bathroom to do all that peeing I've been up to, I just tug on my pants and off they come. I love it!

Here's hoping nursing bras also have super powers.

*In addition to the aforementioned cat smuggling.

Bump Photo - Week 16

As promised, Steve and I started the weekly bump photo series last night. Nothing special in terms of set, lighting or clothes - just me and my bump in front of a window.


What really blew me away with this is how much I'm showing! I don't feel that big, and it certainly doesn't look like much when I look down at it, but there's definitely a bump there. It's less obvious with my shirt covering my stomach, but it stands out when 'on display.'

Check back weekly* for my continued progress!

Shirt: Elle for Kohls

Pants: Old Navy Maternity

*I've added a sidebar directory of post topics, so you can always click 'bump photo series' to see the bump grow!

Caveman? What caveman?

One of the many, many reasons I love my husband:

Yesterday morning, we have the same conversation we've had for the past week.

Steve: Let me rub your belly.

Me: Is it really a belly? Are you sure I'm not just fat?

Steve: No, it's definitely poking out now.

Me: Really?

Steve: hands on belly Oh, it totally kicked me!

Me: rolling eyes Stop it. I can't even feel it move yet. There's no way it kicked you.

This whole song and dance is based on the fact that I have serious bump envy - I have been anxiously awaiting my bump from day one. Mostly because I've had almost no symptoms* so most days I don't really feel pregnant. I'm craving some physical proof. I'm convinced that I'm just the same amount of fat I have been and that he's just humoring me.

ten minutes later

Steve: Man. Do you know what we should have done?

Me: What?

Steve: Started taking pictures of your bump.

Me: Well, I just started showing we can start now.

Steve: Cool, we'll do the first one tonight.

How awesome is he? He is excited about doing a bump photo series!** And it was his idea! I've toyed with the idea, but I just assumed he'd think it was lame.

That's my fault for underestimating him. Based on years of sit-coms and magazines (I'm looking at you Cosmo) women have been trained to think men are cave-dwelling idiots that have to be tricked into marriage / babies and only turn off Sports Center when dragged by the hair. I am constantly surprised when Steve turns out to be *gasp* a real person! With feelings! Who would have thought that it was possible to find a man that likes marriage and is excited about a pregnancy, and even wants to document it on film!

So my advice is this:

If you're single, don't listen to what the world is telling you. Men aren't devious and you don't have to trap them. The ones that need trapping aren't worth keeping.

If you're in a relationship, and your man makes you half as happy as Steve makes me, hold on for dear life.

*Yes, poor me. I admit that whining about not having symptoms makes other preggos want to cut me.
**Obviously it won't be as awesome as this belly series. But we can't all have professional photographers as husbands.

Um, What Now?

I just have to share this article my mom sent me. If you've already been through this, or are dreading going through this (like me) you will relate to this.

I'm not going to reprint the entire article, but I wanted to share an excerpt:

"In the meantime, though, I'd like to encourage the pregnant women of America to try a little experiment. The next time someone admonishes you for eating Brie or sipping a cappuccino, turn the judgement and invasion of privacy back on the other person. Tell him fatty cheese and coffee aren't good for anyone, and you really don't think he should eat or drink them either. If someone says you've gained a lot of weight, respond, "At least I have an excuse." And if, say, a near-stranger asks you if you're lactating yet, answer the question, then smile earnestly and ask him about his breast fetish. I promise you, he won't bother you again."

Since I'm not showing yet I haven't encountered any unsolicited advice or belly rubs but I'm already practicing my smiling, gracious and snarky responses.

Pardon Me While I Panic

My husband's family is going through a bit of a crisis right now and, being pregnant, my brain decided it would be a great idea to go into selfish-panic mode. Before I whine explain, let me lay down the facts:

1. Steven's (retired) paternal grandparents have offered us free childcare once the baby arrives, which we gladly accepted.
2. His paternal great-grandmother is showing signs of dementia and is now moving in with his paternal grandparents.
3. Great-grandmother has been known to have a mean streak which is only exacerbated by the dementia.
4. Great-grandmother has shingles.
5. I (the pregnant one) have never had chicken pox, but I was vaccinated at age 13. However, I have since never been around anyone infected with the chicken pox so I don't exactly have proof that the vaccine was effective.

The short term panic is this - I am terrified to go near Great-Grandmother or go in any home she has been in. I have heard the chicken pox / shingles virus is highly contagious and might be airborne. So it only makes sense not to touch anything she has touched until I get the OK from my doctor. Same goes for Steven. I can't have him hugging her then hugging me, thus transferring the virus to me and my unsuspecting baby.

The long term panic is this - I am terrified to leave my baby in the same house as someone who doesn't have full grasp of their mind. Yes, there will be other adults present and she will never be alone with the baby, but I still can't help but recall horror stories of dementia patients doing unintentionally destructive things.

I am fully aware that I am a selfish, horrible person for worrying over hypothetical problems when there are real problems at hand. Please explain that to my hormone addled, panic-prone brain. I also have faith that my family will make all the right decisions and not do anything that will put me, the baby or anyone else in harm's way. It is very possible that Great-Grandmother will regain some mental clarity once someone else is managing her medications and she is getting the care she needs. Also, I am aware the baby won't be here for another 24 weeks and won't need childcare for several weeks after that. I am confident that all the kinks in our family's system will be more than ironed out be then.

But seriously, all the logic in the world can't stop me from worrying right now. Please tell me the worrying gets easier. Oh, it only gets worse? Well then, I'm screwed.

The Best 4 Pounds, Ever

As you may know I have been struggling with my weight over the past two months, but not in the way I am used to struggling with my weight. Ever since becoming pregnant, I have slowly but steadily been losing pounds. This very much worried me, my family and my midwife. My midwife said this is common in women with terrible nausea that can't keep food down, but I wasn't having that issue at all. I felt great most of the time, my appetite was good and I ate when I was hungry but I was still losing. My midwife told me to try to eat more, smaller meals and drink lots of fluids. This is normally advice given to those trying to lose, not gain, weight but I followed anyway.

I now start every morning with a piece of jelly toast and a glass of juice. I have found this has two major benefits: 1) I have stopped feeling faint and dizzy in my hot shower and 2) it jump starts my metabolism so I am hungrier more often during the day. I still eat "normal" portions at lunch and dinner, but have added a few light snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

Don't worry, there's a point to all this rambling...

This morning I stepped on the scale, telling myself I had lost more weight I was going to cry and go back to bed. I was very worried that if I hadn't gained any weight by my next OB appointment (next Tuesday) they would have to medically intervene. But, all my fears were for nothing because as of this morning I have regained four pounds! YAY! I have never been this happy to gain weight in my life, but I was so excited that I ran into the kitchen shouting "I gained four pounds! I gained four pounds!"

The Weight Stats:
175 - Pre-Pregnancy
162 - End of 1st Trimester
166 - current

In other news, I think my belly is just barely starting to show. With my 13 pound loss my hips, thighs and rear all seemed to get slimmer but my tummy region stayed the same size. Now it seems as though all belly mass has shifted to my lower abdomen - more peanut bump, less muffin-top. To me the biggest difference is the feel of the belly. After I eat dinner I feel like I absolutely have to unbutton my pants or I will hyperventilate. As my friend's mom pointed out, baby belly doesn't give and squish like regular fat does. I can totally feel the difference in how my pants fit on a full stomach, so I have started wearing my belly band with unbuttoned pants. Nothing worthy of a bump photo yet, but believe me as soon as you can see anything I will whip out the camera!

A Letter To My Bladder

Dear Bladder,

Please stop tormenting me. Up until now, I have never in my life woken up in the middle of the night to pee. I am quite fond of sleeping and I am very good at it. I can sleep 8, 9, 10 hours a night without even being that tired. Steven used to joke that a train could go through our bedroom and I wouldn't even stir, I am that heavy of a sleeper.

But now, it's a whole different ballgame. At 15 weeks pregnant I have gotten to the point where I have to wake up to pee. Every. Single. Night. And don't even blame it on all the water I've been drinking. I drank just as much water when I was on Weight Watchers and not once did you disturb my sleep for a quick trip to the toilet. I have been lead to believe that it's because the baby is growing and pressing down on you, but I know better. The truth is you hate me and want me to be miserable.

Make me pee all you want during the day. I don't mind. I even enjoy being able to get up from my desk and stretch my legs and back on the way to the bathroom. But please, I am begging you, please leave me alone at night.

Your Truly,
Allison

To Make You Feel My Love

After yesterday's rant, I thought I would share with you my softer side.

I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business, listening to Pandora. Adele's version of To Make You Feel My Love came on and all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with emotion. I first heard this song many years ago in the movie Hope Floats, as sung by Garth Brooks, and it has always been a favorite of mine. Today I really listened to the lyrics and it struck me that this song speaks to the sacrificial nature of love and all I could do was think about my unborn child and what I would do to protect her.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go blind for you
I'd go crawling down the aisle for you
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love

With lyrics as good as these it should come as no surprise that they were written by Bob Dylan. As I listened to the song I couldn't help but cry, and then I welled up again as I was typing the lyrics.*

Enjoy the video.

*This, I'm blaming on the hormones. And the awesomeness of Dylan.

A Quick Rant on the Commercialization of Mommyhood*

I'm just going to put this out there: one of my biggest parenthood fears is being that Mom that has to arm herself with a mountain of stuff just to successfully navigate running some errands with her child.

All this was brought upon by a trip to the grocery store and seeing a Mom with her toddler. Mom was pushing her cart and toddler was sitting in one of those puffy shopping cart covers. You know, one of these:

image via BabiesRUs

The idea of this just irks me in so many ways.

1- I have read studies that indicate raising your child in a germ-free bubble only increases the likelihood that the child will have asthma and/or allergies in the future. Now, I'm no scientist, but it makes sense that if you eradicate every possible germ your child will never build a tolerance to such things.

2- The damn thing seems completely pointless. The purpose of the cover is to keep the baby from touching things like shopping carts and restaurant high chairs. But this is negated by the fact that you, as a parent, touch these things to put the cover on it and then turn around and touch your baby! Unless you walk around Purell-ing yourself each time you touch your baby, you are going to transfer germs to him or her. This takes me back to point #1.

3- In putting the cover on the shopping cart (or in solo shopping expeditions, sans cover) you, the adult parent, touch the shopping cart, the self-checkout screen and countless other surfaces in your daily life, yet you don't get sick. And why is that? BECAUSE YOU WERE ALLOWED TO TOUCH GERMS AS A CHILD! And now you have a functioning immune system. Next time you see your mother, tell her "Thank you for letting me eat dirt when I was a kid."

As much as I stand behind those points, the real basis of this rant came from what I saw in the parking lot. On my way out I saw the same Mom and toddler getting into their car. Mom had lifted the child, removed the cover then sat the child back into the *gasp* unsanitized shopping cart, possibly to put the cover into her car. I'm standing there, screaming inside my head, "What's the friggin' point?"


Of course, I can't step into this woman's shoes and really know why she does anything, but the whole exercise seemed a bit stupid to me. That is all.


*This is only my opinion and I certainly can't speak for moms and moms-to-be everywhere. If you disagree with me and ohmygod, can't live without your shopping cart cover please don't be offended. Ha! Who am I kidding? I just made fun of you, to your face! Try to only be moderately offended.

We're Hedging Our Bets

Yesterday I went shopping with my Mom to help her buy new clothes for her new important job. I'm so pround of her!

Our last stop was Old Navy, to hit the after-Christmas sales and stock up on basic tops and layering pieces. The sales were plentiful and we found some great stuff for her. And a few for me. What? I'm only human female.

As if Old Navy knew how susceptible I am to adorable baby clothes, they put the infant section RIGHT NEXT TO the dressing rooms. I could not resist. They had onesies, footie pajamas and striped, ruffle-butt leggins! Ruffle-butt leggins people! Then Mom and I saw the elephant onesie and let out a collective "Aww."

You must know that my Mom has always been fond of elephant decor. Don't ask me why, just go with it. So when we saw the little elephants and tiny pink hearts we had to grab one. I believe her words were something along the lines of "I don't care if it's not a girl. It's too cute not to buy." I reminded her that I think it's a girl and that sealed the deal. We got it in 6-9 mo, so hopefully it will fit for Valentine's Day 2011.

When I got it home, Steven even agreed that it's not too girly for a boy to wear because he'd be too young to know any different. YAY! Even if it's not a girl, I can still use it.

We Have Movement!

Today (13 weeks, 5 days) was my First Trimester Screen, which consists of an ultrasound and a finger prick blood test.

This type of test is normally optional but I have a family member with a birth defect* so my doctor thought it was necessary (and my insurance company will cover it).

First up was the ultrasound and it was AMAZING. This was my first 'belly' ultrasound, so at least I got to leave my pants on for this. The peanut is about 3 inches long right now but she** already has so much definition! We could see the profile of a face, little arms and legs and a chubby little belly! The ultrasound tech sent us home with 7 photo printouts, but these are just the best 2.

profile view - head, face, belly, bent legs

front view - face, raised arms, torso

One thing I wasn't expecting was to see the Peanut moving so much. I had read that by now a baby has limbs and is learning to move them. I was expecting a slight wiggle, but she was really flailing around in there! At first you could see her squirm to get away from the ultrasound wand but she calmed down after a bit. For most of the exam she had one of both of her hands up by her forehead - she already has a flair for being dramatic! I still don't really 'feel' pregnant so it was wonderful to see our Peanut wiggling for us on the monitor.

But as amazing as the view was, my favorite part of the ultrasound was seeing the look on Steven's face. I don't consider him an emotional or sappy guy, but he seemed awestruck as we watched the Peanut. He was so much more affected by this than the first ultrasound where the Peanut truly was a peanut that just laid there.

The blood test was uneventful and we should get the lab results back in 10 days. I don't know if we'll hear anything or if this is another "no news is good news" scenario. I have no doubts that everything will come back normal and perfect.

My next OB appointment is in 3 weeks, so stay tuned!

*Nothing major to worry about. My cousin was born with a chromosomal anomaly, but his doctor assured my uncle it was a genetic fluke and not something hereditary.

**My intuition is telling me the Peanut is a girl. When people refer to the baby as a 'he' I feel the need to correct them, then I realize that would make me a little crazy.

I'm Not a Whore

I think the pregnancy hormones are getting the best of me. Last night I dreamt that I was wooed and proposed to by a tuxedo-wearing James Franco.*




James' tuxedo was dreamy, the rock was HUGE, but that's not even the best part. In this dream, I was thin. Not just pre-pregnancy thin, but THIN! Like Kiera Knightley, but with bigger boobs. I was HOT!


I normally don't consider myself a James Franco fan,*** but after this dream I might have to reconsider my position on the matter.


Then when Steven tried to wake me up, I may or may not have told him "Go away, James is talking." I would like to think I'm not the type of woman to dream-cheat on my husband, but apparently not. I'm not a whore, it's just the hormones talking.

*He must not photograph well. I had the hardest time finding a photo of him where he didn't look confused or high.**

**I don't know his life. Maybe he is always high and confused? Who am I to judge?

***Meaning, I wouldn't maul him in public if I were given the chance. Johnny Depp, on the other hand...

Another New Addition

No, I'm not having twins. I added a countdown ticker to the blog to help you guys follow my due date. And since the ticker didn't match the blog, I changed the blog to match the ticker. OCD to the very end.