Photos

I just found this photo of little Brady... almost forgot that I had it, and lots more, thanks to Grandma Lou. I'm a bit of a picture fiend - I'm absolutely obsessed with old photographs of my family and have lots and lots from years past. One of my favorite things to do when I'm home is to go through the two Stetson boxes full of memories at my grandparents' house. I always find something new and usually get a few great stories to go along with the photos. I'm looking forward to starting my own collection to pass along to the generations to come...

16+ Weeks... and all is well

I went to my 16-week appointment on Friday and all is well. I finally gained some weight - a total of 6 pounds for the whole pregnancy and lots more to come. I heard the baby's heartbeat and the Dr. confirmed that I have a mover and a shaker. She was a bit surprised that I was able to feel so much movement this early in the pregnancy, but attributed it to me being "skinny". That's not exactly how I'd describe myself, but any pregnant lady has to take that one as a compliment. I was also given a prescription for all of my nausea and vomiting (it just doesn't seem to want to go away). I'm not sure if it's working yet, but I sure can sleep through the night now (not counting the 5 times I have to get up and go to the bathroom)...

I also had some blood taken for genetic testing and will have the results in a few weeks. It was, by far, the easiest blood drawing experience I have ever had. No queasiness or fainting! Maybe all of labor/birthing shows on Discovery Health are paying off.

I don't go back again until my April 24 ultrasound - then we'll finally find out if this is a little Brady or an Amber. I'll keep you posted.

Update

I am really starting to feel pregnant. My regular clothes still fit, but this is getting ridiculous. I have to continually remind myself that I'm not just getting a fat stomach - I just want it to look like I'm pregnant already, rather than looking like I haven't been working out.... because I have. An interesting note on that: I went running last week with Brady and one of his friends. It was incredibly cold outside and I was dumb enough to be wearing shorts. Luckily, one of the perks (there are a few) of pregnancy is loose joints/ligaments. I felt like I could keep running and running... my legs never got stiff. It's a very strange, floppy feeling - like right after getting out of the hot tub. Could be dangerous though, because it definitely doesn't prevent me from being sore the next day...

Also, many have been asking if I'm still getting sick. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Though not nearly as bad, I'm still sick on most mornings (wasn't this supposed to end after the first trimester?). But, my appetite is back and I'm sure I'll be packing on the pounds soon. I go to the Dr. on Friday for my 16 week checkup and some more tests. I hate giving blood! But, after giving 6 vials on my last visit and not fainting (a first for me), I think I can do just about anything (within reason).

I'll let you know how it goes.

Mop

I have been reading up on what's happening to that little baby inside of me... and it seems that she should be sprouting eyelashes and hair right about now. That's right, she's working on a mean 'do. And I couldn't help but wonder what the little one's going to look like when she pops out. If she's anything like her parents, she (or he... we still don't know) is going to be one hairy little being - but in the cutest possible way.

The Party in My Belly

9:00 a.m. You're all invited.

It seems our baby is doing calisthenics in my belly. Perhaps a few defensive drills, maybe working on her triceps? We may have a little basketball player in the works. I'm only 15 weeks along - what is this going to feel like when the baby's more than just a few ounces?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

After three months of digestive upheaval, I have developed a warped appetite and disrupted eating habits. Throughout my journey there have been foods that have been popular, foods I wish I could eat, and those that are so incredibly disgusting that I don't even want to think about them. I have organized them into three different categories:

The Good:
These are food superstars that have served me well and taste good no matter what.

1. Potatoes, especially those taking the form of a french fry. I have been buying the oven version, as not to flood my arteries with saturated fat. The saltier, the better - with lots of ketchup. Yum.

2. Fruit. Fresh pineapple is a standout (though I have had the displeasure of puking it up - not pretty), as well as apples, grapes, and pears. Pink grapefruit and berries have also been very, very good to me.

3.Peanut Butter. What can I say? It was a favorite before pregnancy, and is still on my menu every day. Especially good with apples and bananas (and pretzels and crackers...)

4. Annie's Mac 'n' Cheese. Good, quick and rather salty.

5. Miso soup. It's always there when I need it. Again, lots of salt and very few calories.


The Bad:
These are foods that sometimes go down well, but have proven difficult at times.

1. Spinach. This was the first thing I craved. I ate it almost every day for two weeks, starting around Christmas. Then, I couldn't even stand the sight of it. It's only recently that I have begun to introduce it to my diet in small portions.

2. Cereal, Corn flakes and Cheerios especially. For a while, I ate a few bowls a day (with very little milk), thinking it was the best thing ever. Then I had whole grain goodness all over the toilet bowl. I'm in no hurry to eat cereal again.

3. Saltines. Though initially a life-saver, if I have to eat another saltine in the next year, I am going to scream. They don't taste all that great going down, and I am sick of the taste of them coming back up - by far the most regurgitated food of the year...

4. Dairy. My body's not too keen on dairy, so I can only have it in moderation. Yogurt is the safest bet, but if I have too much, I get really nauseous and bloated. Being pregnant is so fun!


The Ugly:
Self explanatory.

1. Thai food, specifically the drunken noodle with tofu. See previous post - probably the most painful thing I have ever thrown up. Spicy food doesn't get any less spicy after having sat in your stomach for a few hours.

2. Soft cheese. I really want some Brie and gorgonzola, but will have to wait for several months. I'm not taking any chances with listeria, as I have watched way too much of the Discovery Health Channel to make that mistake.

3. Meat. I haven't eaten any in years (YUCK!), and I absolutely, positively cannot stand the smell of meat (of any kind)!

4. Wine. I would really like to have a small glass with dinner at some point, but I have made the decision to not take any chances. Maybe sometime next year...

Back to Work

Well, I survived the whirlwind weekend + that was the FR 2006 retreat. After a grueling day of flying on Friday, I went straight to bed in my cozy (but rather cold) all-pink room at the Rose Garden Inn. Saturday was beautiful - hiking in Muir Woods, followed by lunch and exploring in SF's Mission district. We were even able to get a little shopping in - I bought a dress and two shirts (exciting!) that should grow with my expanding waistline (no, I still haven't gained any weight - but hopefully soon!).

Sunday was an official work day... after which, I experienced the most violent vomiting of my entire pregnancy. Though not nearly as disgusting as regurgitated Thai food (spicy on the intake and equally as spicy on the way out), the falafel, pita, and baklava combo was no laughing matter. After a half an hour of painful convulsions, I was left feeling rather sore and tired...

On Monday, we all toured sustainable businesses (people making a difference for the environment and society). It was rather cool, but a very long day. We ended it with a tour of Clif Bar. What a cool place to work - a gym, dance classes, hair salon and a baby room (yeah!). At the end of the tour, we were encouraged to take copious amounts of every type of product Clif Bar makes. I could barely fit all of the goods in my backpack. I love freebies!

Tuesday, we spent the whole day flying back and I learned a really important lesson. Avoid Southwest Airlines at all costs. It is never a good idea, even if it is cheaper. Make a note of it.

Now I'm back at work - not so fun, but I am really glad to be home and have Brady by my side.

Off to the Best Coast

I'm heading out for San Francisco in a few hours for our office retreat. It should be nice to get away - who knows when I'll be traveling again. I absolutely hate flying, but once I get past that, traveling is great. Another (really, really) pukey morning for me, but hopefully I can hold it all in on the flight :-)

Brady's off to Las Vegas to meet up with Wessley and some friends for the weekend. I guess he just can't stand to be home without me.

I hope to have some new stories to share when I return next week! Take care.