21 weeks

So the reality is just starting to set in. We are having a son. It still sounds so strange to say. Up until this point it has just been a little alien who has invaded my body and made me feel sick and kicked me every once and awhile...now it is our son. It is a lot to wrap your mind around. I have been very emotional this last week and a half. Finding out the gender, starting the nursery and turning 27 (tomorrow) has just been a lot to take in. I don't know if you noticed, but I don't do change well. It overwhelms me. When I was a little girl and my mom would rearrange the furniture in my room I would cry until she moved it back. Change is hard for me. That said, this last week or so has been a tough one. Turning a year older, having a child, looking forward to a change in career and life as I know it....scary stuff. I know it will be wonderful and worth it and all the other things people keep telling me, but that doesn't ease the slow and steady panic I feel. I have to talk myself back from the proverbial edge about every other day. I don't mean to sound not excited, because I am. I am thrilled I was able to get pregnant and carry a healthy baby this far. I am happy that my medication and condition hasn't caused any major problems for me or the little guy in my stomach. It is just bing life changing stuff that has me constantly reflecting and questioning every decision I make, or have made, or will make etc. I am having a son....holy crap, a son.

One thing we can be sure about is he has his father's calves. Those of you who know Josh well, know the lore of the calves. The calves that could out you in a wrestling move and pop off your head with a simply flick of his knee. Some have actually deemed them "cows" they are so strong and muscular. Well, it is with those tiny calves that this kid has been kicking non-stop! I don't what the average movement is for a baby at this stage but our little one never stops. All day long, sometimes through the night. I am not eating or drinking any caffeine, so it cannot be blamed on that. I hope he settles down a bit out of the womb or I am afraid I will be chasing this kid everywhere!

Meet our son...

Ultrasound went really well today. We were able to watch our new baby BOY kick and move around for about 30 minutes while they checked his heart, brain, spine and other organs. We were able to see his little face up close and watch him suck his thumb. I hope the images come out clear enough. They were so small they got fuzzy with the scan and enlargement...but you get the idea. He is really healthy and right on schedule. Enjoy the photos...

20 weeks...half way there

I think there is no hiding I am pregnant anymore. The belly is not huge, but there non the less. The baby has been kicking a lot everyday. Always when I am sitting and especially in the car. Who knows why. I was sick last week with a cold and nausea. Threw up twice and was just nauseous the rest of the time. I find myself feeling that way when I get run down or really tired. So I took advantage of Josh being out of town this weekend and went to bed every night by 8. We are starting to consolidate all of our junk to make room for the nursery to be built. My dad is starting on the construction on Friday, and I am excited to see the room come together. It is hard to imagine what it will look like with all the little baby things set up in it. My appointment is on Wednesday, and I am sure we will update soon after to give you the news about the gender and general health of the baby. I am sure everything is fine, but it will be nice to hear it from the doctor.

Until then...

19 weeks and the flu shot conspiracy

It has been a busy week. Josh is back in the full swing of classes and is busy with life. I have been swamped at school and just generally growing a baby. The baby has been really moving and kicking. Good strong kicks. I am hoping Josh will be able to feel it soon. I really can't wait for him to feel connected in that way. I have been feeling okay. No more throwing up, praise God, but still generally nauseous. I think I am coming down with another cold, which is frustrating because I really don't have time for that. I actually have a flu shot theory. I have never gotten a flu shot before because I don't really believe that they work. I have been teaching and working with kids for four years now without a flu shot and have never gotten sick, not once. When I got pregnant in the fall I thought, okay, everything I am reading says I should do this, so for the sake of my unborn child I got the flu shot. Well...I have been sick twice now. It brings to mind a Simpsons episode that linked the flu shot to a government conspiracy that gave people a desire to spend money and boost the economy. I think they might have been on to something.

Side note: 1 more week until we know if we have an Emma or a Rowan!

18.3 weeks

The baby has given me a few good kicks over the last two days. It has been more that just a light flutter. Last night (it always is more active in the evening) it gave me two good kicks. I was so surprised I let out a little yell. I was relieved because it had been a few days since I had felt anything, and I always begin to worry.

I took the day off today to just rest and hangout. I went swimming with my mom and sister and did some laps. I am so out of shape. I was huffing and puffing after only a few laps. I wish I could blame it on the kid, but I know it is just the fact that I really haven't done any serious exercise in a few months. It felt good to get in and move though. I am not big yet, but I can imagine the relief it offers women to feel weightless for a little bit. I am hoping to go a little more regularly, but we will see.

We are counting down to the next doctors appointment on the 20th! Can't wait to know if it is a him or her.