Holy Sh**!!!

So I was bored at work and feeling the baby kick and I started to think about labor and delivery...I kinda started to get scared at the thought out it all, and wondered, how big is a 10 centimeter dialated cervix? Here is what I found out:

1 cm dialated...an ok size

3 cm dialated....doable

5 cm dialted...gulp!

8 cm dialated....WTF???

10 cm dialated...or fully dialated....ready for baby to come out

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FLIPPIN KIDDING ME!!!!

Is it too late to call the whole thing off?

19 weeks!!

Today begins the 19th week of pregnancy. I am in the 5th month already, still about 5 to go;, approximately 140 days left!! 8 days until the next Ultrasound, and the next OB appointment is Wednesday afternoon.

And just to update everyone else, we are in the process of moving! We got the keys to our new duplex on Friday morning, and I have done a couple of back and forth trips so far, but the main move will be happening this week and weekend. We absolutely love our new place and can't wait to get in and make it ours! I am on weight lifting restrictions of nothing more than 20 to 30 pounds, cuz I guess the placenta can actually detach and that ends well for baby, and/or you can pull muscles more easily. I have already broken that limit, but that was before I found out about it, so from here on out, I will leave all the lifting to other people and just carry pillows and stuff, ha! In case you don't know much about the new place, it is not that much bigger overall than our current one, but we have made some big upgrades/exchanges that make it completely worth it. We no longer are in an apartment complex, we are renting one side of a duplex that has our own garage and a huge, fenced in backyard for the dog and we have our own laundry room and storage space with tons of extra wall space to hang clothes and store boxes. The bedrooms are a tad bit smaller than our current place, but we have a second bathroom, a much larger kitchen and a deck outside big enough for a grill and some chairs. We are across the street from a park that has soccer goals and tennis courts and a baseball diamond. It is only a 2 minute drive from the in-laws, or a 15 minute walk door to door with the puppy. The only thing that would make it better would be if we owned it, but oh well, that home ownership will happen hopefully next year or the year after! We are very excited to get in there for good.

Enough about us, here is what is happening this week with little love, baby BellaReese (who knew something so silly could make your heart so warm already?):
Italicized words are my comments.


Your pregnancy: 19 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato, or a mango or a grapefruit for those of you who love fruit, or my favorite comparison, a subway sandwich!! Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now (unless she takes after her father and has extraordinarily long arms...it runs in his family...they all have wing spans [obviously it is an arm span, but I think wink span is more exciting] larger than their overall height...Brian is 5'11", but has a wing span of 6'2", I am 5'5" and have a wing span of 5'5"....odd). Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:
Think you're big now? (yes, huge, thanks for pointing it out yet again, jk) You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. You may be noticing some skin changes, too (yea, I feel like a pubescent teen again! Pimples and red dots everywhere!!). Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."(got the dark line already....gross) These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.





There's nothing like getting into bed at the end of a long, exhausting day — especially when you're expecting. Aching for a good night's sleep (literally, if your back's been acting up again), you throw back the covers and prepare to happily surrender to sleep. But if you're like many expecting moms, something may be keeping you awake tonight (besides what color to paint the nursery): leg cramps (they are god awful and in only my right leg!). These painful spasms that radiate up and down your calves (only my right one!), all too often keeping dreamland at bay, are very common during the second and third trimester. While these cramps can occur during the day, you'll notice them (oh, baby — will you notice them!) more at night. No one knows for sure what causes leg cramps in pregnancy — though there are plausible theories aplenty. It could be that your leg muscles are just fatigued from carrying around all the extra weight of pregnancy. Or that the vessels that carry blood to and from your legs are compressed by your growing uterus at 19 weeks pregnant. There's also speculation that it may be somehow related to diet, though this hunch hasn't been substantiated by studies.

WOOWOO!!!!

So I have been trying to feel the baby kick from the outside by constantly sitting with my hands on my belly, waiting for a slight nudge. I thought I felt one two days ago for the first time, but since it hadn't happened since, I was thinking maybe I made up. I was just sitting here at work, however, with my hands on my belly, I felt 2 really strong punches (or kicks, or the head or butt or knee or elbow, I have no idea what part of the body it was) but either way, it has made me so excited!! We have tried to get Brian to feel something (I feel so bad for the guys, they don't get to really experience anything until the end! Brian says he will feel it when BellaReese wants him to), but everytime a kicking spree starts and he puts his hands on my belly, nothing happens. It is such a crazy thing! Next, I am going to be looking to see it kicking from the outside, but sitting here at work, I don't think it is appropriate to have my shirt lifted waiting for something to happen, ha! More to come later!

18 week photos!

Here are some pics from last night! Sorry I look so gross, we just got inside from the monsooning rain we had all yesterday, and my hair is soggy and sticking to my head! Oh well! BellaReese is growing and growing and so is my belly and butt! Ha! Enjoy :)

Horoscopes!!! (bored at work again)

So, according to babycenter.com, here are Brian and I's horoscopes for being parents together, our parenting styles individualy, as well as how we will be with BellaReese. I think, for the most part, they are true to who we are. I am a July baby, so I am the cancer sign, and Brian is a Libra.

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cancer and Libra Parents
Are described as: kinder, gentler parents
Together you two create a kind and gentle parenting team. In many ways, you want the same things: a harmonious, peaceful home; children who grow up feeling supported and loved; balance in your lives. The way you achieve these things may be different from each other, though, so there will be the need for some adjustment between you. The Cancer parent is a homebody, preferring to cuddle up on the couch, reading together after sharing hot chocolate and a plate of home-baked cookies. You're sensitive and emotional, connecting on a feeling level with your children. The Libra parent is more social, organizing a network of families who can call on each other for playdates and other support. Fairness is a big issue with you, so you strive to treat everyone fairly and equally. With the gifts you share, your home life will be fulfilling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Cancer Parent
Described as: providing and ensuring a sense of belonging
As a Cancer parent, you're probably very involved in the childrearing process. You enjoy and learn from every miraculous moment of pregnancy, birth, and your child's growth. You're loving, protective, sensitive, and compassionate. If you're a typical Cancer, you may be a nurturing dynamo, creating a safe and cozy home environment for your loved ones. Caretaking is how you show your love, and this is your seat of power -- but it's not control you want most. You have a primal need to feel safe, secure, and needed. You try to do everything for your family, so that they'll depend upon you. This is perfectly appropriate when you're caring for a baby, but every Cancer parent must remember: If you do everything for your children, they won't learn to take care of themselves. Be sure to teach them the skills you've mastered. Overprotectiveness is another pitfall the Cancer parent should try to avoid. If you constantly hover over your child, letting go could be a challenge as you watch them grow and change. Deep inside, of course, you know it's all part of the cycle of life. Tradition speaks to you; some may even consider you old-fashioned. Holiday customs, family rituals, even ceremonies of religion or faith feed your soul with that strong sense of continuity and community that helps you thrive. The irresistible sensation of your feet on your home turf, surrounded by loved ones and protecting your brood under your generous wing: This is what you live for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Libra Parent
Described as being: The Peacemaker
As a Libra parent, you try to create a peaceful and harmonious home life for your children. It's important to you to bring up your family in beautiful, even luxurious surroundings, and you do what you can to avoid conflict in the home. Thus, you might be a bit of a pushover, especially if your kids are particularly assertive or if they learn to manipulate you to get what they want. Good thing you're so in touch with your core values and beliefs. This will help you put your foot down when necessary and bring the right influences into your children's lives -- without going overboard, of course. You can't help but instill a sense of taste and style in your children, since aesthetic concerns are a natural part of your personality. You enjoy playing the host or hostess at social gatherings and inviting friends into your home, and you'll make sure to teach your children about treating others with courtesy and respect. Your kids may rely on you to settle disputes when sibling rivalries flare. Since you're uncomfortable with tension, this won't be a role you relish, but you're a born diplomat, so it's actually a good fit for you. This is a natural opportunity to teach your children about compromise and cooperation, two of your strong suits. Since you tend to be indecisive, you'll need to make sure that you demonstrate firm consistency with your kids whenever necessary. It's wonderful to be part of a close-knit, affectionate family, but you'll also need to command their respect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cancer Parent (mom) and

Leo child (BellaReese if born before due date {Which mom predicts she will be} )
You're sensitive enough to intuit your Leo child's needs and feelings, which is very special for him. You may realize better than anyone that behind your little one's vibrant, courageous exterior hides a vulnerable soul, and your child thrives under your nurturing care. In fact, you're one of the few people who truly understand your little Leo's sensitive pride, and you always take care to preserve his feelings as much as possible. His warm, sunny nature brightens your life, and you're an enthusiastic audience for his many impromptu performances.Your Leo child craves your devotion, and you give it to him unconditionally, with your whole heart. Your selfless love ensures that your little one will always be able to come to you for soothing support, and he'll always appreciate your cheerleading at the sidelines of what's sure to be a dynamic, interesting life. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Libra Parent (Dad) and
Leo Child (BellaReese if born before due date {which mom predicts she will be})
Your Leo child loves performing for you because you make such an affectionate, encouraging, and generally rapt audience. Your little one's flair for drama is apparent from an early age, and she adores being the center of attention. You're a wonderful parent to her in part because you so enjoy her bright, happy energy. Plus, she's naturally popular (which she must have inherited from you!), so playdates, birthday parties, and other get-togethers are fun for both of you. You can foster your child's natural creativity by taking her to plays, films, art galleries, and museums, and instilling in her your own love of art and performance. Most of all, give her all your affection and encouragement, because although your little Leo seems as courageous as a lion, her pride is easily dented if she doesn't feel she's getting the adoration she craves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cancer Parent (mom) and

Virgo Child (BellaReese if due on or after her due date)
A born worrier, your Virgo child can be a bit reserved or high-strung from an early age. Good thing she has such a warmly nurturing, supportive parent as you! You're sensitive to her feelings and concerns, and you go out of your way to provide her with plenty of emotional support. Under your tender guidance, your little Virgo can learn to feel more secure in the world, but take care not to compound her fears with your own. As the parent, your job includes putting on a show of confidence, even when that's the last thing you're feeling inside. In fact, you can learn a lot from your child in that area. She's somewhat more grounded and practical by nature than you are, so she can teach you by example about setting your emotions aside when it's time to get something accomplished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Libra Parent (dad) and
Virgo Child (BellaReese, if due on or after her due date)
One of your primary concerns in life is harmony in your relationships, but your Virgo child is more interested in attaining perfection. Not nearly as gregarious and people-oriented as you are, he's most comfortable when surrounded by quiet, order, and routine, so it's best to establish a daily schedule for his meals and bedtime. This could be difficult for you, since you aren't as practical as your little Virgo. Efficiency matters less to you than friendliness and positive feelings. Still, your love of peace and your little Virgo's need for order can dovetail nicely. Your child appreciates that you keep a pleasant, comfortable home. You, in turn, like the way he keeps his toys organized and, as he gets older, how he completes his chores in a timely manner. It should be easy for you and your child to get along and create a cozy home together.

18 weeks!! 2 more til the halfway point!

Quick updates: We did a test last doctors appointment that would measure the chances of the baby having any spinal defects, like spina bifida, and the chances of our baby having anything are 1 in 10,000, so great odds! I have been sick on and off all week, and went to the doc to make sure everything is alright, and the baby is doing just fine! I have only gained a pound over the last 2.5 weeks, which the doctor said is just fine!

If you see words in italics, it is me putting my 2 cents in!

Your pregnancy: 18 weeks

See the big picture
How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long about the length of a bell pepper or a deli pickle and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position and fully formed, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. She can actually hear you talking now. You don't need to abandon your potty mouth just yet, but you might want to start thinking about it! A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl (most likely!), her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. Other highlights this week: This week is also the beginning of ossification. And while that sounds like some long and involved paperwork you'll have to fill out, it's really a fancy medical term for the hardening of your baby's miniature bones. And that's a good thing.See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:

Hungry? (ALWAYS!!!) An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow. (I don't even fit into some of Brian's t-shirts already!! I am huge!Sadness!) Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual (mine is normally on the low side, so the doctors will continue to watch me). Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon (Ours is April 6th! Can't wait!). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying (everyone jokes that I am carrying twins since my belly is so big already, I always ask the techs to find the second one). During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album! (Brian will be here for this one and is very excited. The last one he got to see was at 11 weeks.)

Happy Birthday Baby Lucas James Krauss!!

Some exciting news from the West Coast!

On March 18th, my brother and sister, Justin and Amanda, welcomed their second child, a beautiful baby boy named Lucas James Krauss! We are all very excited to see more pictures and get to know this little guy! Congrats to Hayden, as well, for becoming a big sister!

On our baby front,

Baby BellaReese has been kicking up a storm lately!! Brian still can't feel her, even though I am constantly shoving his hands on my belly (and pushing them into where she is) to try and feel em, but still nothing! I hadn't felt her for a few days and started getting worried, then this morning, she has been non stop, reminding me not to be such a worry wart! I can only imagine how neurotic I will get once she is born! That is all for now, life has been sort of uneventful! New post to come on Sunday!

Just a comparison :)

you can really see the changes in the area in front of my hips, which is where the baby is sitting now. Also, the area under my chest is filling out, and everything is starting to pull. All the fat you see on my hips that I started to get around week 11 is being stretched forward so its not dimply! You can't tell since I cropped it out, but my chest is ridculously huge as well...and sore :(

17 weeks! (only 23 left to go)

I never thought 9 months could take so long!! When I look back to when I found out at 4 weeks to now, I guess time has gone by fast but I feel like it should be summer already! I love being pregnant but I would love to not be pregnant even more! I am just way too impatient and want to see my baby's face and hold it in my arms already, watch her little fingers circle around mine... I was hoping this whole pregnancy thing would teach me patience, actually, it seems to be doing just the opposite...making me neurotic with having to wait; waiting for the next ultrasound, next OB appointment, next week to finish! Oh well, I guess I just have to deal!

Brian and I have been "officially" together for 3 years today! (Happy birthday Leslie!!!) We were on Spring Break in Florida and during a drunken conversation at Disney World, I put him on the spot and asked him what he wanted to do about us, and he flipped my Clauddagh ring and said be my boyfriend, and the rest is history... Now, if you would have asked me to believe that in the next 3 years, I would get engaged, graduate college, get married, buy a new car, get pregnant and raise a puppy, I would have told you to get your head examined, but here we are...married, pregnant, proud parents to a silly wiener dog and getting ready to move into our first home with a garage and backyard. Life does go by fast, and I guess it is my lesson to be learned from God to enjoy the processes while they happen and not always spend so much time wishing for the future that I miss out on life as it happens. I’ll let you know how that whole learning thing works out for me…for now, I am stuck waiting week to week to post updates on my beautiful, growing BellaReese. 22 days until my next ultrasound, 17 days until my next OB appointment, and 161 days until the baby arrives!

Your pregnancy: 17 weeks

See the big picture

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.See what your baby looks like this week.
How your life's changing:
Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby.

Pics from last night

Brian and I took a few pics before bed for the 16 week mark. Technically, I am closer to 17 weeks, but here they are from 16 weeks and 5 days.

It kind of looks like my belly button has popped in this picture, it hasn't, it is just my thumb sticking out from the side of my belly

Big City lying next me, chomping on a bone

a few videos of the baby!

Just click on the play arrow and it should play! So cute!

So....we found out what we are having!

IT'S A GIRL!!! Meet Isabella Reese Martin!

In this pic, the arrow points to the "girl" parts, I am pretty sure that is the Labia, but I don't know with complete certainty!

This is a pic of the heartbeat pattern! Everything looks great!

Here you can see her face, she kinda looks scared!

Here she is scared again!

Here you can see her eyes and her smiling!! Those are her hands at the bottom of the screen!

I this one, you can see her arms and a fist, which is actually pulling on her lip!

Feeling better!

Just to let everyone know, I am feeling better, breathing normal and the pressure is gone, in fact the best I have in 3 days, so unless it comes back, I am not gunna worry anymore! Thanks for your concern!

Trip to Urgent Care

So, I made a trip to Urgent Care yesterday after work for some irratic heart palpitations and shortness of breath. For the last few days I have had a few episodes where my heart feels like it is going to break out of my rib cage and just pounding really hard and fast, followed by short breaths and chest pressure. They rushed me in right away, being pregnant makes you a high priority I guess! They did an EKG, which came back normal, tested me for clots (since I guess there is a higher risk of them developing while pregnant), that came back better than normal, and gave me an inhaler to clear my airway. Everything sounded/looked normal, so they sent me home stating I need to take it easy, get more sleep and drink more water and most importantly avoid any and all stressful situations, saying that I might just be having trouble processing stress and anxiety right now, a common problem in pregnancy...despite me not feeling any stress whatsoever. I guess I am anxious about finding out the gender, but I think that's more excitement than anything. The doctor I saw said if it doesn't get better in the next few days to call the OB and see what they suggest.

Well, today I am not feeling much better and stuck at work, I just had another episode of crazy heart action...maybe it is work! Maybe work is bad for my health! Ha! I will keep you posted on what I decide to do...for now, I will just continue doing what I have been and if it gets worse call my OB. How annoying!

16 Weeks!!! Wohoo!!!

So last week the Doctor measured me at 16 weeks, but I wasn't given a new due date, so we will just continue in this way until I have my next appointment on April 1st, or the ultrasound on April 6th!!!! (sooooo excited for that!!) I guess in the next few weeks here the baby is going to grow a lot, and I am assuming I will be too! Can't wait to post more belly pics! Bring on the Cocoa Butter!

Some new developments this week other than already feeling a few baby flutters, Brian and I have secured a girls names (peer to the right of this blog to see it if you haven't already), and have figured out a boys name, as well! We are going to wait a bit to release that to the public however, unless you buy me an at home ultrasound machine for a mere $30,000, then I will divulge the boys name, ha, just kidding. Or am I???

I have been having major butt pain from sitting at work all day long. I am going to bring a workout ball with me to work from now on because sitting on that won't put too much pressure on my tail bone and sciatica, and it helps with posture and developing my ab muscles...hopefully I have retained enough balance to stay sitting on top of it and not falling off! I have been getting a few nose bleeds and carry around a tissue box everywhere, my nose is incredibly stuffy and they say that is extremely common. I say it is extremely annoying. Anyway, continue reading to learn more about Martini!

See the big picture
How your baby's growing:


Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces, or for the more chic readers of this blog, about the length of a mascara tube. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. You're just getting comfortable with being a new mom, but you're actually on the road to being a grandma. If your baby is a girl, her uterus is fully developed and the ovaries already hold primitive egg cells. Did that just make you feel a thousand years old, or what? Your baby's skin is still translucent and wrinkly, not unlike an old man's, but more fat will soon accumulate under the dermas to plump her out. If you could peer inside right now, you'd be able to see all of her veins under her skin. The heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.See what your baby looks like this week.



How your life's changing:


The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.

How am I carrying the baby???

I was just wondering...am I considered to be carrying high or low???

My Second OB appointment!

On Monday, Brian and I went to see our OB for the second time. After waiting 25 minutes, we finally got called in to see him. A lot of good stuff happened! Well, mostly good stuff! I found out I have gained 10 pounds so far :( which they said is fine, if I stay on this plan, about a pound a week, I will be at the maximum average suggested weight gain of 35 pounds, which I would be fine with! It all depends on if I can control my hunger and start walking once the weather gets nice! The doctor also measured where the baby is in my abdomen and suggested that I am more at 16 weeks than 15, which made me happy, but I will keep the weekly posting on this blog like I have been. Also, the best thing, we got to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time!!! All other times, we have just seen it!! It was at about 150 BPM, which the Doc said was perfect!! It was so exciting, hearing the life in my belly; we listened to mine first, and it was really loud and slow, and then Martini's, which was just fast and quieter! It was wonderful.

This was the first time I have seen the Doc since my first trimester screening, where they tested for downs syndrome and trisomy 13 and 18, and we got the results for the test. Based on the measurement of the baby and the blood tests done, we have a 1 in 18,000 chance of our baby having downs! and a 1 in 37,000 chance of the baby having trisomy 13 or 18!! Great odds!! So far, the baby looks great and healthy!! I also had some blood drawn to test for spinal defects, like Spina Bifida and other possible problems, we will get that back in a week or so.

One of my major concerns with the pregnancy has been my diagnosis on having a septate uterus, which just means that I have an unusual growth that can impede the baby's growth and limit its chances of survival. I have been freaking out, but our doctor is amazing and answered all my questions and put me at complete ease! I found out online that women who have this uterus have a 60% higher chance of losing the baby through out the entire pregnancy than women with normal uteruses, they have more breach babies which leads to c-sections or stunted growths and early delivery, but the doctor explained that that is only true if the baby originally implants on the growth, which ours did not! So, based on the baby's implantation to the far right of the growth, I should be able to carry the baby to term and deliver normally, with a healthy, normal weighted baby!! I most likely will NOT need a c-section! I was very relieved! The average woman has a 5% chance of the baby being breach and mine is at about 15%, which if it is breach, I will have to have a c-section, but I am counting on everything being healthy and normal and I am not worrying a second longer about my stupid uterus! Next baby, all these concerns will come back and we will have to see where the baby implants, but, that won't be for a long time! ;)

And, on a final note, upon finding out about my uterus, I had been told I get to get ultrasounds once a month to monitor the baby's growth and to make sure that the baby has sufficient room to swim and play. I asked the doctor if that order still stood since my uterus shouldn't be a problem any longer (the average woman only gets 3 ultrasounds during her pregnancy...I have had 3 already). He said that they were not necessary anymore, and when I looked a little sad, he said, "if you want to go once a month, I won't stop you, feel free to go and look at your baby." I was so happy! I told him, I would go once a day if he would allow it! I love looking at the baby and the doctor laughed, saying that some women find it bothersome to go to the hospital once a month and I said I was shocked, who wouldn't want to see their baby?! So I get to have an ultrasound in April, May, June, July and the final one in August! I am not kidding... if anyone wants to buy me an ultrasound machine, I will gladly accept! Ha!

33 days til we have the Ultrasound to find out the gender!! SO LONG TO WAIT!

Thanks for reading guys!

Baby's first kicks!!!!

So I went to the bathroom this morning (for like the fifth time) at 5, and when I got back in to bed, I was trying to get comfy and all the sudden I felt two quick "Bump Bump" type nudge/sensations right where the baby is supposed to be! I thought it was to good to be true at first, so I waited for a gurgle noise from my intestines or something to prove my hopes otherwise, but there was nothing! Then I felt the third one and knew, I just felt my baby move!!! It was so incredible! One of the best feelings in this pregnancy so far. To explain it, it felt like if you stick your tongue on the inside of your cheek, that same gentle pressure, just down where the baby is! It was fantastic!!! Brian couldn't feel em, but I could!! I think I am starting to appreciate being a pregnant woman, all the stuff that only I get to enjoy!!! It is so amazing! I can't wait to feel more!! I will post more tomorrow on my OB visit, but I will save that for when I get bored at work!!

15 Weeks Pregnant!!!

So I meet with my OB tomorrow afternoon, and hopefully we will be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time, and maybe get lucky and get an extra ultrasound out of it! For the time being, here is what is happening for the next 7 days!

Your pregnancy: 15 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.