17 weeks! And...

Marination Time: 17 weeks...these pictures were taken at 17 weeks, 4 days.

Musings on the Weekly Photo: Took these before we headed out to an anniversary party for some family friends.  Not so bad from the front...from the side...whoa.

Due Date: March 5, 2013 (though at my last appointment, the kid measured a week ahead, which would be an estimated due date of February 26...but officially, they aren't changing my due date.)

This Week's Produce Item: An onion!

And in dad-friendly terms, it's a roll of toilet paper.  Wow, the baby is just all sort of pleasant items this week...onion and TP.  Jeez.

Boy or Girl: Well, this is the first week that we know...more to come!

Currently Craving: Really really want some sushi.  That needs to happen soon.  Also I have eaten like an entire box of fruit snacks this week.

Currently Avoiding: Hmm.  Haven't been avoiding much.  Except drinking water.  Man, I wish I liked water.  It's a problem.

Weight: Up another pound this week to 139.2.

Belly Button Status: Out!  Can't quite see it through clothes but it's out!

Sleep Grade: Like the dead.  Thank you, pregnancy pillow and silicone ear plugs.

Recent Crazy Dream: That I had the baby and it was a girl but she also had boy parts...and they assured me it was going to fall off, and I wasn't convinced...horrible.

Evidence of Pregnancy Brain: I keep leaving things in various places - I can never find anything I need when I need it!

Movement:  I have been feeling lots of little pops and kicks for the past two nights, and then today was the first day that I have felt movement during the day!  There has been a party going on in there!

Appointments? The biggie was Thursday!  Everything on the ultrasound looked great.  The baby has two ears, two eyes, and a reasonable number of fingers and toes (I didn't count, but it looked right!) It has kidneys and a stomach and those are all inside instead of outside (always a plus).  We have a good-looking cord, and we know if it's a boy or a girl!  Mom and PB both went with me to the ultrasound.  The tech was funny, she said she knew within thirty seconds of starting the ultrasound whether it was a boy or girl.  Of course, none of us had a clue, and when she looked at that part on the screen, we all looked at each other and put up our blinders or covered our eyes so there was no peeking.  She didn't even put it on my chart because she didn't want to run the risk of a doctor or nurse mentioning it when we didn't know yet.  But she did write on the ultrasound - "good growth" and she said that she writes the notes in a code that only she understands, just in case we need to come back and check with her later about what it is.  

Any baby related purchases? I spent way too much time on Target and Amazon today, registering for baby things now that I know what it is.  And I finally fond some bedding that I like! I haven't actually bought anything, but I definitely have a list going!

Best/Worst Things to Happen in the Last Week: Best thing was definitely finding out the gender - other than that, I just had a hugely busy week at work, and then spent ALL day today working on graduate school work that I hadn't had time to do any other time.  We have had tenants move into our rental house and PB started his job on Friday, so he has been out of the house pretty much all the time.  In fact, he's still not home and it's 9:00!

So now for the good part...our gender reveal party!  We had our appointment and found out Saturday night.  So many of our friends and family came, it was awesome.  

We did a fiesta theme, and decided to break open a pinata to see whether we were having a boy or girl. Mom found candy online that was all pink and all blue (like blue vanilla tootsie rolls, Blow Pops, Laffy Taffy, and Airheads). 

The tech sealed up the envelope and signed over it so we couldn't see...and then we dropped it, the pinata, and the candy off with someone who works at the car lot.  He was sweet enough to do the honors of filling it up for us, and delivering it for the party.

Here's PB with our pinata at Party City, contemplating how to put the reject pinatas back up on the top shelf.

We had a little pool going on, where you paid a dollar and put your name in either the boy or girl cup.  When we found out, we chose a winning name from the correct cup.  My Aunt Kay won the pot, but wouldn't take it from me!  She insisted on giving to me for the baby, which I tried to refuse, but she said I had to use it to buy my going-home-from-the-hospital outfit.

Everybody also either grabbed a pink or blue Mardi Gras necklace to represent their guess, or they just came dressed up, like our friend Kim!

Seriously, blue hair and all!

We had taquitos, Pinterest Ro-Tel cups, desserts, cheese dip, and everything else you could imagine while we waited for the official reveal time.  Then we went out and I got after the pinata in my parents' garage.

So here we go...

And the final result....

Turns out I was right...it's a boy!

Good to know who's in there!  Blue candy means it's Ira Franklin!

16 weeks!

Marination Time: This picture was taken at 16 weeks, 1 day.  I'll be 17 weeks on Tuesday!

Musings on the Weekly Photo: My boss told me I looked like Charlie Brown in this sweater.  Is this a good thing?  I can never tell.  Maternity shirts make me look giantly pregnant these days.  Which I prefer, because I look like a super fat kid in my regular shirts that are still long enough to wear.

Due Date: March 5, 2013

This week's produce item: This week, baby is the size of an avocado!

I also found the "How Big Is Your Baby? - Dad-to-Be Ediition" and I like it SO much more because they're concrete things. I mean really, how big is an avocado? Is there a standard avocado?

So in the Dad-to-Be version, baby is the size of a Blackberry phone.  

Boy or girl: We find out in less than a WEEK!  Bought the pinata yesterday, have the candy, have some decorations....now we just need an ultrasound!  Stil sure it's a boy but now I want a girl more than ever because we finally came up with a girl name I am 100% sold on - Della.  

Currently Craving: I'm good now, but this morning I was a crazy person and made PB go get Bojangle's breakfast.  LIKE, NOW.  RAWR.

Currently Avoiding: Went to a college friend's wedding last night and had to avoid the wine slushies. BOO.  Can't think of much I've been voluntarily avoiding...still just iffy on meat, though I had steak at the wedding last night because that's what was served.  Can't believe I got that down!

Weight: Gained about another pound this week - up to 138.4 now.

Belly Button Status: My little outie nub is still visible, but not popping out through my clothes yet!

Sleep Grade: I pretty much fall asleep on the couch by 9pm, go to bed, and sleep dead through until my alarm clock goes off at 5:15 for work.  I do get up to pee once or twice but I'm like semiconscious and go right back to sleep.

Recent Crazy Dream: I was dreaming about a bunch of my students last night, it was very weird.  They were all in the Olympics and I was supposed to be their coach.  I was trying to watch Youtube videos of how to do a gymnastics floor routine for one of my girls because I had to coach her and had no idea how!

Evidence of Pregnancy Brain: Hmmm, can't think of anything specific.  Hasn't been too awful this week.  

Movement: PB's last day of work was Friday, so I went over to Jackalope Jack's near the hospital for his farewell celebration...I hadn't felt anything in several days, but we were in a loud bar with a lot of loud people and I think that totally pissed the kid off!  I felt it again last night at the wedding reception when the DJ turned up the bass...really neat!

Appointments? Can't. Wait. Until. Thursday.

Any baby related purchases? Just decorations/invitations for the gender reveal fiesta.  I figure I'll hold off on everything else until for sure that this kid is a boy.  

Best/Worst Thing to Happen in the Last Week: I don't usually post about work and I'm not stupid enough to start now, but it has been a rough, rough week at school.  Best thing? Got to go to a gorgeous wedding last night, which made me remember our wedding last year that was so close to this time.  Also made me REALLY want to go back to Disney World!

15 Weeks!

Marination Time: As of today, 15 weeks and 5 days.

Musings on the Weekly Photo: I took this at exactly 15 weeks, before we had to go to orientation for PB's new job at the fire department.  I love this shirt because I feel like I actually look pregnant in it, vs. just fat, which is how I usually look.

Due Date: March 5, 2013

This Week's Produce Item: We're in the big leagues now - it's the size of a navel orange!

I can't believe we're already at 15 weeks/that the peanut we first saw at 6 weeks is that big now.  CRAZY!

Boy or Girl: Well, we still don't know.  I still think boy.  I have had some hormonal drama over finding out, which goes as follows: I switched doctor's offices and went about two weeks ago.  They wanted me to come back October 1st for my anatomy scan (which will tell us boy or girl, among other important things), but October 1st is PB's first day at the fire department and there's no way he could come if we did that.  Now, we aren't going to find out AT the doctor's office because we want to have a gender reveal party.  But if you've never had an ultrasound, I promise you that it is really really super cool to see the baby doing stuff in there.  You know, bouncing from wall to wall, knitting a sweater, whatever it's up to in there.  

So I scheduled an elective ultrasound at a place in Concord for this past Thursday.  And then I found out that my parents planned to leave for the beach on Thursday and be gone all this weekend.  So no party and no finding out this weekend.  I was just all torn about what to do, I was upset that we could go ahead and find out but then we couldn't because scheduling was all wonky, I was upset that PB was going to have to miss (what will probably be) the only exciting doctor's appointment I have between now and going to the hospital, and I was just a general hot hormonal mess about ALL OF IT.

I finally called the doctor back and they begrudgingly agreed to move my appointment to the week before PB starts at the fire department so he can come, and we are going to have our gender reveal fiesta on September 29th.  WHEW.  And that all seemed like a great solution until this weekend came and I realized I could already know and then triple obsessed over it.  Jeez.

Currently Craving: The super hot jalapeno pico de gallo I just bought at Harris Teeter.  Mmmmm mmmm.

Currently Avoiding: Been doing better about some meat.  Some.  If it's sufficiently shredded, I'm okay.  And I also ate Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings the other day, and the Asian Zing hit the spot.  

Weight: Last time I weighed this week, we were at 137.7.  They say I'm supposed to put on like a pound a week at this point, which seems insane to me, but oh well. It's coming whether I'm excited about gaining weight or not!

Belly Button Status: Skin has now stretched to the point that the little belly button bear is no longer in its cave.  It hasn't totally popped out, but it's not hooded by the little skin flap I used to have before.

Sleep Grade: Other than getting up to pee at least once (maybe twice), A+.  In fact, when PB leaves in the morning he has to peel back my headphones with white noise and shake me to wake me up.

Recent Crazy Dream: I was dreaming all kinds of crazy mess this morning, which all involved the lake house.  There was a huge anaconda type snake that jumped on the dock and was chasing Peggy Sue, the dock somehow became detached from the land and I was trying to attach a rope to it and swim it back in, and like everyone I knew was there for some reason.  Very strange.

Evidence of Pregnancy Brain: Ummm....nothing drastic this week that I can think of.  That probably means I'm forgetting something important.

Symptoms: More belly itching, trying to find clothes that are comfortable and actually fit how I need them to, and had some of my first mild heartburn this week.

Movement: Still few and far between, though I've felt two big events this week - once when I folded myself into the back of a friend's little Ford Fiesta that was all packed up with her stuff because she's changing schools.  Apparently the kid doesn't like for me to lean over all the way and squish it.  Another time was when I had a delicious and nutritious dinner of Taco Bell - I think the kid likes Mexican.

Any Appointments? Countdown to September 27th...and then September 29th, when we actually get to find out!!!

Any baby related purchases? Went to a consignment sale with my friend and her sweet baby and her mom, but I just bought a baby sling.  I thought it was a steal - super cute green with brown flowers for $6!  I also bought some Little Lion fitted newborn diapers that came this week, which were super cheap because the company is going out of business.  I was really not wanting to use disposables even at first, when the baby will be too small for our regular cloth diapers, so I was excited for those to come!

Best/Worst thing to happen in the last week: Best thing - Went to the FAIR this week!  It was so much fun, and we got to hang out with PB's cousin and his fiance a little, which was nice.  I had a fish sandwich, fried okra, and an elephant ear with strawberries and powdered sugar.  So delicious.  Worst thing - Well, I'm dreading this week at work because it means I have to test kids (which I hate doing, because it takes me out of the classroom) and because I know it's going to be a disorganized mess.  I also have some really complicated meetings and paperwork this week....say a prayer for me!!

14 Weeks!

Marination Time:  14 weeks as of Tuesday...Will be 15 weeks this Tuesday.  One of these days I'll do  a post on the right day, I swear.

Musings on the Weekly Photo: I always feel like a giant walrus at the end of the day (and I took this picture after school one day).  I'm trying to remember exactly when I took this...I'm pretty sure it was either 14 weeks 1 day or 2 days.

Due Date: March 5, 2013

This Week's Produce Item: We're at the size of a lemon this week!

Boy or Girl: Still think boy.  But we are having our anatomy scan September 27th and a gender reveal party after that, so I can't wait to know for sure!!

Currently Craving: Meh, I had a bad Skittles hankering the other day...nothing too crazy though.

Currently Avoiding: Pretty much the same song and dance routine with the meat-free deal.  I can eat some seafood, and I can do chicken if it's sort of shredded up and mixed in with something.  But cutting up a steak/chicken breast/pork chop and eating it? BARF.

Weight: Haven't weighed in a few days - last time I checked, we were holding steading at 136.6.

Belly Button Status: I feel like I could do a whole post series and call it the chronicles of the belly button.  Last week it was wider..now it's also starting to pull up more, so the little knot inside there is starting to be more visible.  I have sort of a pseudo-innie usually because there's a little knot in there but it's generally covered by my skin like a little bear in a cave so you don't see it.  Yeah I think by next week you'll be seeing it through my shirts.

Sleep Grade: A.  OMG the pregnancy pillow.  Amazing.

Recent Crazy Dream: Hmm, can't think of anything much.  I know I've been dreaming but nothing really stands out.  Generally I know I've been having really good ones, so I hope that keeps up!

Evidence of Pregnancy Brain: Nothing too awful this week.  Yet.

Symptoms: Crazy belly button happenings.  Belly itching some. Starving but not being able to eat as much, especially toward the end of the day because I feel like an overstuffed sausage.  NO CLOTHES that fit, ugh.  Ready for fall so I can wear some long sleeve maternity things.  

Movement: I am 99% sure I felt the baby kick me like 2 nights ago.  I actually hollered, it scared the crap out of me!  Felt like little taps in there.  So neat.

Any appointments? September 27th is the biggie!  I can't wait!!

Any baby related purchases? A few more maternity things that I found on super-duper sale at Ross and on Zulily.  Got some jeans and sweaters to hopefully get my giant self through fall and winter.  Mom got us a few preemie cloth dipes for when the baby is born and I also ordered some super cheap fitted newborn diapers from a company that's going out of business online.  I hope they come soon and they haven't decided to already go out of business...

Best/Worst Thing to Happen in the Past Week: Best thing - went out to dinner at a fancy restaurant (Mickey and Mooch) with some teaching friends and their husbands last night.  We went down to the lake and rode jetskis and hung with my parents today and then swung by the inlaws to watch the Panthers game tonight.  Worst?  My second block class continues to be nuts...hoping they are somewhat in control tomorrow.

13 Weeks!

I think this was technically 12w 4d but it's my only non-bathroom picture this week.  Felt a shame not to include it.

This is 12w 6d - mainly so you can see my weird, stretched out belly button!  Creepy, I know.

And this is 13w 1d.  Whoa, belly.

Marination Time: 13 Weeks

Due Date: March 5th, 2013

Boy or girl: I still don't know...and it's driving me absolutely crazy.  But I'm also sure it's a boy.  We'll see.  I go back to the doctor next Wednesday and I'm switching doctor's offices, so I hope that they'll give me an ultrasound.  We'll see!

Currently Craving: EVERYTHING.  I am starving to death.  I am getting "hangry" (hungry + angry). Like right now, in fact.

Currently Avoiding: Still most meat, even though I was able to eat turkey bacon when we had breakfast for dinner last night (and regular bacon at breakfast with my parents on Sunday).  Score one for bacon!

Weight: I can't keep up with the weight gain/loss mess because I was on a super strict diet before I got pregnant and that always involves some rebound weight gain.  So you know what?  I'm going to throw it out there.  Real numbers, folks.  

As of today - we're 136.6.

Belly button status: In - but it is about double it's width.  WEIRD.

Sleep grade: I've been sleeping pretty well, but I am starting to get a lot more uncomfortable on my belly.  So excited that the giant pregnancy pillow that Mom ordered for me came today!  I want to go to bed right now so I can get my happy hips on that thing.  It's fantastic.

Recent Crazy Dream:  I dreamed last night that a teacher friend of mine had a pet squirrel and she was over visiting me and Peggy Sue maimed his arm.  I tried to fix it and I couldn't and it was terrible.  Recently, I've also been dreaming about a baby boy who takes his diaper off every time I turn around.  Let's hope that's not a premonition.

Evidence of pregnancy brain: I've forgotten my phone when I left for work not once, but twice this week.  So annoying, and so not like me.

Symptoms?: Just feeling like a giant and my clothes not fitting so well these days.  And being hungry.  Hungry hungry hungry.  Also, since yesterday I have been having terrible shoulder pain under my left shoulder blade.  Like take-your-breath-away-when-you-take-a-deep-breath pain.  So annoying and I don't even know how I would have pulled a muscle or anything.  Just weirdness.

Emotions: I've been too tired to have emotions what with the first week of school starting.  5am is kicking my tail.  Also my second block is kicking my tail.  I don't know why God decided that this was the particular group of children I would have to take to lunch every day, but whatever I did to deserve it, I'm sorry.  They're not bad, they're just mostly boys and they are ALL "spirited," for lack of a better term.  Wears me out.

Movement: The last few nights I've sworn I've felt a little weird something when I lay down at night and get still.  Probably just by-products of all the food I've been eating. Maybe soon we'll have definitive movement though.

Names: Boy name is in stone, I think because I'm so sure it's a boy.  I'm sort of between two girl names...still like Frances but I have another that I haven't been able to sell PB on yet.

Any appointments?: I'm switching back to my old OB's office and hospital and I am SO excited about that.  Hoping they'll give me an ultrasound because I'm technically a transfer patient now.

Any baby related purchases?: Not this week!  Just got some winter maternity clothes from zulily and the awesome pregnancy pillow that Mom got for me.

Best thing to happen in the past week/ Worst: Best thing?  Probably that PB got a new job that he's really excited about, which means he no longer works far away at the hospital, which means I don't have to drive to that particular far-away hospital for appointments and delivery anymore.  Worst thing? Having to get up early because school's in again.  I love all the new kiddos, but it's just been hard to get up for sure.