This Unfamiliar Road

December 30, 2011

16 Weeks!

Well, I can definitely say that produce shopping has become a lot more interesting. Every time I'm at the grocery store, I find myself wandering around picking up different fruits to see how big Junebug is this week!

16 Weeks stats:

Size: Avocado

New Developments: Junebug can hear us, and can even be startled by loud noises (like Rowen barking).

Symptoms: Back pain...although this has been an ongoing problem for a couple of months. I'm starting to think I pulled a muscle, and it just hasn't eased up. The pregnancy hormones are actually making this worse :)

What I'm looking forward to: Alright, Junebug...this is the week! Most first-time preggers report that first flutter in week 16. I'm not worried that I haven't felt anything yet, but it would be so reassuring. There have been times when I may have felt something, but not enough to say for sure. I am learning patience...and considering I am carrying the offspring of my husband, I think I'm going to need it! :)

Thank you Ben for the Boppy body pillow...back pain be gone!

December 27, 2011

Christmas is Here!

Andrea 10:50 AM 0 Comments

I have a confession to make: I have not been feeling the Christmas spirit this year. I think the biggest bah-humbug was the looming fact that I had to work on Christmas Day. I am such a traditional holiday person, and I just couldn't excited about the big day knowing that I wouldn't be able to spend time with my family. I was off on Christmas Eve, but Ben had to work all day...so in the time of year when we should be enjoying family and friends, we were at work. Seriously, bah-humbug. I managed to capture the happy times though : )

Decorating cookies on Christmas Eve with Christa- a 15 year tradition!

Wrapping gifts with animals around is nearly impossible!

Our tree on Christmas morning (at 4am before work!)

Feeling truly blessed

Love my sisters : )

And now, for the 15 week update:

15 week stats:

Size: Naval orange

New Developments: Moving joints and limbs-squirming away (apparently)

Symptoms: Heartburn!!!

What I'm looking forward to: A <slightly> bigger baby bump...still getting that "I wonder?" look. And with all this squirming, I'm ready to feel something (besides heartburn & gas..haha!)

(Please excuse the scrubs)

Me and my naval orange : )

# Christmas # Junebug

December 16, 2011

Week 14

Andrea 8:52 PM 0 Comments

Bring on the maternity clothes! I am starting to get 'that look' when I'm out and about now-is she pregnant or just chubby around the middle? Nobody is brave enough to ask-yet!

14 week stats:

Size: Lemon (although my uterus is easily double that size, thus the baby bump)

New Developments: Sucking on his/her thumb (getting in some good practice) and growing hair!

Symptoms: The headaches have taken over. I think a lot of it is related to blood sugar levels. I am hungry all the time. I am focusing on eating healthy snacks and small portions, but I wake up every morning with a rumbling belly and an aching head. I might start pairing my snack breaks with potty breaks in the middle of the night!

What I'm looking forward to: Still, I want to feel this baby moving around. By the third trimester, babies can move up to 30 times in one hour, so I know I will have my share eventually. In the meantime, a flutter would be quite reassuring!
I am also looking forward to decorating the nursery! I gave up on my search for gender-neutral bedding and decided to create my own. I have zero sewing skills, but Ben's Grandmother Starr has graciously offered to help us out. I can't wait to see the finished product!

Via TheBump.com

# Junebug

December 07, 2011

Week 13

Andrea 5:31 PM 0 Comments

The bump has appeared and I am gaining some of my energy back. My biggest challenge lately is working 2 days in a row (basically 26 hours packed in!) and trying to be productive on my next day off. Usually my day off involves a lot of napping and relaxing, and Ben has been amazing through it all! On his day off, he spent it cleaning the house so that I could relax and not worry about a thing. Wow!

13 Week Stats:

Size: Peach
New Developments: S/he is forming vocal cords and teeth! Junebug also has fingerprints
Symptoms: Slightly more energy, unless I am working a lot. I am beginning to enjoy some of my favorite foods again without being completely disgusted. The headaches have started, though.
What I'm looking forward to: Feeling Junebug move! I worry every day about his/her health (are you ok in there?) and I think my mind would be at ease if I could feel a little nudge every now and then. I will probably have to wait another 3+ weeks for that.

# Junebug

December 03, 2011

Landscaping

Andrea 10:26 AM 0 Comments

One of the first home projects we knew we had to tackle was the landscaping, especially in the front yard. Our home was a foreclosure and had not been empty long, but it seems they just ignored the flower beds.

We knew some major cleaning, reshaping and re-mulching was in order. We decided not to plant any flowers at this point because of the upcoming winter weather (...and budget)