5-Month Festivus

We have officially surpassed the 4 month countdown until our donut baby comes (hopefully). I am at week 23, and if you know anything about Seinfeld, you will know that this title alludes to the following list of grievances. 

My love handles and ass. These are two aspects of my curvy out-of-the-ordinary white girl figure that took lots of hard work at the gym (and the kitchen) to get rid of. Seeing my love handles disappear was a huge accomplishment for me, so now that my mother bearing hips have grown them back, I tend to get extremely frustrated looking in the mirror. I normally wouldn't post a silhouette picture that makes them clearer than day, however I am doing it to show the truth that pregnancy is not as "cute' and "adorable" as it's cracked up to be. And the worst part is that there is nothing I can do in the gym to get rid of them-it's just how my body handles weight. My badonkadonk-same deal. It's frustrating to have a big belly, and then some junk in the trunk. I just look like a freaking infinity sign. Okay, I'll stop ranting about my beautiful, maternal body and move on. 

23 week silhouette. 

Binge eating has slowed down in comparison to the last few weeks. I feel like I actually have days where I'm in control! Yay! This boy is craving hot dogs, so I think I've gone through two packs of Ballpark franks in the last 2 weeks. That phase is over now, and my husband is grateful. 

At my last check up, my doctor told me that I have a big baby. Big, as in 95th percentile big. Big, as in "you may be further along that we're predicting" big. Which is fine if I have the baby a little sooner than expected, although we still are crossing our fingers for Sept. 9th as his due date. However, I am not okay with popping out a 10 pound turkey from my oven. Both my husband and I were big babies-which is unsettling. I get it, women's bodies are meant to give birth to babies of all sizes, and just because I have a big baby doesn't necessarily mean I'll tear, and with meds, I may not feel anything, and blah blah blah. That's great, I still want my baby to be between 7 and 8 pounds. Hopefully as we get closer to the due date, we will know more about how accurate his sizing is. 

I get bigger by the day. I teach Zumba and every week, I have people saying, "wow, you're so much bigger than last week!" Am I? I should only be gaining like... 1/2-1 lb a week so it worries me that I'm looking more like a marine sea mammal every 7 days. 

Believe it or not, I'm not in a bad mood while writing this. I'm actually very high-spirited at the moment and super excited about the next few weeks. We finally got a house available to live on base, so we move in 2 1/2 weeks, which means I start decorating the nursery way sooner than I thought! I am PUMPED. Also, as of this weekend, we are officially registered at Babies r Us and Target. Let me tell you, I am a shopper. I love shopping, decorating, planning, and coordinating, but I DO NOT like registering. I honestly can't even tell you what we registered for because it was so overwhelming and after a while, G and I just kept pulling random things to scan. We definitely reached our limit, but the good news is its over with, and we've covered all the main necessities. 

Another reason I don't want a giant baby: I want him to fit into this newborn outfit we got for when he comes home from the hospital!!! It's so little :)

Except one: a diaper bag. I am a girl who loves my purses. Coach is probably my favorite brand and I have more purses than I ever need--all used and loved however. I somehow end up buying myself a new purse every year as a reward for just being alive and carrying things with me. It's an obsession and I'm trying to stop. This sickness means that finding the perfect diaper bag to carry around with me every day is nearly impossible. I'm a girl who likes fine leather, not square-like totes, so I'm going to really have to do my browsing and find something I can be happy with. Let's face it-for me to spend $400 on a diaper bag with a baby on the way means that I truly should be going to therapy. At least I know when to stop. I just don't want to settle. 

These have been my updates. It's already a long post, so feel free to stop reading (who knows, maybe you already had) but I want to sit back and reflect on motherhood for a few more paragraphs. 

I am going to be a good mother. I know this because I already am. I am a crazy dog lady to 3 dogs, but they make me such a good mommy that I know a baby will be a snap (yes, I am aware that babies are different than dogs and have different needs). Three crazy, needy dogs. They have tested my patience many a times. I think my patience levels have developed beyond regular growth rates. I have mastered the practice of taking deep breathes through frustration without yelling and grown to realize that every single thing I buy has the potential to get broken, eaten, or stained. I like nice things, so this was not a fun lesson to learn, but I have. 

When we first got our chocolate lab in Georgia, she had diarrhea for the first 5 months and would continuously wake us up through the night. My record for times getting up in the night is 12. 12 times in one night. And we didn't have a yard, so we had to take her outside, on a leash and stand in the dark waiting for her to do her thing. It was dreadful, and I am prepared for sleepless nights as such. 

Along those lines are waking up to messes. Cleaning up diarrhea, vomit, or huge pee puddles at 3:30 in the morning is not fun, but it's part of motherhood. I think the best was a couple weeks ago when I suddenly felt nauseous, laid down and 20 seconds later witnessed Cato projectile vomit all over his doggie bed. Did I mention he had just eaten breakfast-none of which was digested? You don't get breaks to yourself when you're a mom. I already know and experience that part. 

These dogs follow me around EVERYWHERE! I imagine it'll be the same with kids, except instead of not being able to leave a room without tripping over a dog, it'll be not being able to leave a room with hearing "mom!" for every little thing. As a mom, I am a popular choice for all needs. 

I also brush my dog's teeth every morning, give my other dog eye drops twice a day, every day (probably for the rest of her life) in addition to antibiotic drops twice a day in her right eye, have been taking my "fat" dog for weekly walks every single week (yes, through the winter) for her to lose weight, and have been through countless other medical procedures for these critters to make sure that they are healthy throughout the years. And if pulling string from a dog's butt isn't motherhood, then I don't know what is. 

Lastly, to emphasize my point of crazy dog lady status, I celebrate each dog's birthday. This past weekend was Denali's first birthday. Not only did I bake doggie cupcakes, but we took him on a morning hike and bought him a new frisbee. We do this for each dog. In fact, when they hear the "happy birthday" song, they all get excited because they think they are getting treats. I love these dogs with all my heart, and I go above and beyond caring for them because that's what mothers do. I think my point is is that people tend to always say, "Well, you don't really know how hard it is to be a mom," or "wait til the baby wakes you up 5 times a night" or other statements like that. Labor is something I am terrified of because I haven't experienced it, but as for being a mom- I am more than prepared for the next 18 years of living like a full-time Zombie who is needed every second of every day. I am ready, and I am excited. 

My little Denali's first birthday celebration. 

21-Loads of Fun

Week 21 has been quite eventful, I must say (as all "21" related events should be). At 21 weeks, my hubby came home from a month of training, I ran my second ever 5K, and we found out the sex of our donut baby! Let's start with the 5K before we get to the good stuff. 

This weekend there was the Pet Fun Run. I took my baby girl, Belle with me and we attempted our first 5K together. I was a little skeptical about this whole situation because 1. I was recovering from a long week of being sick 2. Belle had never run a 5K before 3. It was supposed to hit 70 degrees that day, and knowing my chocolate lab, she slows down and poops out easily in the sun, and 4. Registration was an hour before the race, which meant that for an hour, Belle would be interacting with a bunch of other dogs. I was hoping that wouldn't tire her out. 

Me and my running buddy. We rocked the 5K with a 26:39 time! 

It didn't, but the sun sure did. She and I do weekly runs and we've built up to 2.5 miles so I was a little worried about that last .7 miles. She pooped out. She stopped, laid down, and if it weren't for the fact that I brought dog food with me, she never would have gotten back up. I dragged her butt the last 5 blocks or so and I was SO proud of her when we crossed the finish line. We were both wiped, BUT this 21 week, sick pregnant lady and dog did it in 26:39!! I'm so proud of that time and feel like I really accomplished something this weekend. And don't worry, and no point did I feel like I had to push my body to make it to the end, I felt GREAT for the whole run. 

With my hubby coming back this weekend, we were able to go to our ultrasound appointment together yesterday. I waited extra long so he could be there by my side. I was beyond ready to find out if we are having a little boy or a little girl. For me, I am so incredibly lucky because this is now the fourth time during this pregnancy that I've been able to see our baby. It truly is awesome to see it go from a blob, to a gummy bear, to a baby with limbs, to something that looks so humanlike with facial features. 

The chin was tucked under, but I still love seeing the features of that nose and lips!

The appointment was kind of boring, I'm not going to lie. We were there for about 45 mins as they took measurements of EVERYTHING. We saw every single nook and cranny on this baby. With that being said, we had much proof that we are having.... A BOY! We are so excited. I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed that I'm not having a girl, but I'm still thrilled thinking about being a mother to a little son. Any boy that has the flesh and blood of my husband is going to be the absolutely cutest thing in the world! I finally got to see G's baby pictures and my heart melts with the idea that I get a mini-him. He's going to be such a good dad. 

So it looks like the myths from last week are nothing more than just myths. And yes, that includes the heart rate one. This boy has a fast heart rate-so for everyone who told me that's usually a definite sign that it's a girl, it's not anymore. Maybe his fast heart rate has something to do with the energy he has because he kicks like crazy all the time! It sometimes takes me by surprise when I get a big ol' thump on my stomach. I have a follow-up appointment on Friday so hopefully I'll have some more info on how this boy is doing. 

Did I mention I am SO excited?!?! 

I probably shouldn't have done white against white, and maybe showered, but I'm finally getting out of that awkward "winter weight" phase and looking pregnant!

Gender Myths

I am at 20 weeks! Which means yes, I could know by now whether I'm having a boy or girl, but I'm waiting for my husband to come home so we can be there together. Our big appointment is next Monday! I cannot wait. I figured I'd use this week to go over some of the "gender myths" to see if I'm still leaning towards one gender over the other. Plus, it'll be fun to see how accurate the outcome is.

Myth #1: If your legs get bigger, it's a boy. If they stay lean, it's a girl. My legs have gotten a little bit chunky, but not to the point that I need to go up a pant size. I'm still fitting a size 4. All signs point to, GIRL.

Myth #2: If you refuse to eat the ends of bread, you're having a girl.  If stumps are all that's left, I'll eat them. BOY. 

Myth #3: If you are moody during your pregnancy, you are having a girl. If you are smiley throughout pregnancy, you are having a boy. I'm sure if you ask my husband, he'd say we're having a girl (rude) however, I don't think I've been moody nor overly smiley. I call this a draw. 

Myth #4: The Chinese chart shows accuracy based on the date of conception. We were given the due date Sept 12 by our doctor, but when we were referred out to the American sonogram place, they gave us the date Sept 6. Going back to the Chinese chart, if our baby was conceived Dec 5, it's a girl, however if it was conceived Nov 30, it's a boy. Another draw. 

Myth #5: If the mother's looks have been drained during pregnancy, it's a girl. If she's been prettier than ever, it's a boy. I went through a stage of frustration because I felt like my skin looked old and tired. I don't think I have that "pregnancy glow" without a good tinted moisturizer and some blush. Props-girl. 

Myth #6: If you have a dream about which gender you have, you will have the opposite. Last week, I got really excited about my dream that we had a boy. Winner, Girl. 

Myth #7: If the mother has been graceful throughout her pregnancy, she's having a girl. If she's been clumsy, it's a boy. I don't think I've been clumsy at all. GIRL. 

Myth #8: If a toddler shows interest in the baby, you're having a girl. If a toddler doesn't show interest, it's a boy. Did I mention my now four-year-old nephew named our baby the Donut Baby and asks about him/her all the time? GIRL. 

Myth #9: If the mother tends to lay on her left side, she's having a boy. If she lays more on her right side, it's a girl. Of all my favorite places to lay, I'm usually propped on my right side. Another sign it's a girl. 

Myth #10: If the dad gains weight, you're having a girl. If he doesn't, it's a boy. I've also read this the other way, if he gains, it's a boy. Either way, I think it's a draw. My husband will be coming home from training for a month- I'm sure he'll be skinnier than I am. I define this as inapplicable to military husbands. 

Myth #11: If the mother's left breast is bigger than her right, she's having a girl.  My left is definitely bigger, although I think it always has been? GIRL. 

Myth #12: If you place a necklace over your hand and it swings back and forth, it's a boy. If it swings in a circle, it's a girl. I tried this, and although my hand holding the necklace was shaking the more I tried to stay still, it looked like it went back and forth. BOY. 

Myth #13: If you had no morning sickness, you're having a boy. If you had morning sickness or nausea, it will be a girl. I maybe had 2 weeks of nausea, but nothing too terrible. Not sure which side this counts as. I'll go with GIRL even though it was brief. 

Myth #14: If your areolae darkened during pregnancy, you're having a boy. Nope. GIRL. 

Myth #15: If you're craving meat and cheese, it's a boy. Early on, I went through three weeks of cravings. What did I want most? Burgers and fries. BOY. 

Myth #16: If the mother's feet got colder during pregnancy, it's a boy. If your feet stayed the same, you're having a girl. I'm sure my husband will tell you that I constantly have icy cold feet. They have remained the same at icy cold. If anything, they may have warmed up a little bit. GIRL. 

Myth #17: If you leg hair grows extremely quickly, it's a boy. No need to explain. BOY. 

Myth #18: If your hands are very dry, it's a boy. It may have something to do with the fact that's it's been extremely dry outside, but I've been slathering on lotion the past couple weeks nonstop. BOY oh BOY. 

Myth #19: If your pee is bright yellow, you're having a boy. If it's dull yellow, it's a girl. I'm not really sure how to respond to this one. I think it depends on my hydration levels. But I must say, when I'm hydrated, my pee does have a neon shine to it. BOY?

Myth #20: If the mothers nose is growing bigger and wider, it's a boy. No thank you, my nose is big enough already. GIRL. 

Myth #21: If you've experienced headaches during pregnancy, it's a boy. So grateful that this one points to GIRL. 

Myth #22: If the heart rate is over 140, it's a girl. If is lower than 140, it's a boy. This is the main myth I'm basing my inference on. Started at 170 and went down to 160 at the last appt. GIRL. 

Myth #23: If you're carrying big and high, it's a girl. If you're carrying low and small, it's a boy. I don't think I'm carrying high or low. I'm not big enough to tell. Since I'm on the small side, I'll say BOY. 

Myth #24: When you place a string around your wedding ring and hold it over your pregnant belly, it'll go back and forth if it's a girl and in a circle if it's a boy. This myth I've also read with the opposite results. Not sure which is accurate, but mine moved in a circle. 

Myth #25: If the mother's face grows fuller and rounder, it's a girl. If it's long and narrow, it's a boy. I wouldn't say my face is long and narrow, but I haven't gained weight in my face if that's what this means. BOY. 

Myth #26: According to Mayan myth, when you add the age of conception with the year of conception, if the answer is an even number, it's a girl. If it's odd, it's a boy. Again, this is another one that I've seen flipped answers to. My number is odd, so take that as you will. 

Myth #27: If the mother has acne, it's a girl. GIRL. Ugh..

Myth #28: If you are craving salty and sour foods, it's a boy. If you are craving sweets, fruits, and orange juice, it's a girl. This one is hard. I craved potato chips and fries only for a few weeks at the beginning. I drink a lot of juice and eat a lot of fruit, but that doesn't mean I crave it. I am a sugar addict, and that hasn't changed since before pregnancy. If anything, I'm craving grains. Where does that put me?

Myth #29: If you gain weight out front, it's a boy. If you gain weight in the hips and rear, it's a girl. I definitely grew wider before growing outward. Love handles and badonkadonk indicate GIRL. 

Myth #30: If you belly looks like a basketball, it's a boy. If it looks like a watermelon, it's a girl. I think I'm carrying more oblong than round. GIRL. 

Results:
Some of these concepts seem totally wacky, but it's fun to go through them. Overall, 16 of my answers have indicated that I'm having  a girl. 8 say it's a boy and 6 answers can go either way. It'll be interesting to see if I do have a girl. One more week and I will be able to tell which myths were right and which were phony.

If you know any more myths or if my neutral answers point more towards one side than the other, let me know! Also, keep the guesses coming. Only 7 more days :)

Almost Halfway

On Friday, I'll be at the halfway point! I'm currently at 19 weeks and getting bigger by the day. The baby is kicking like crazy, but still little flutters-no limbs popping out of my side yet. 

My husband has been off training for the past two weeks and still has a couple more to go, so a lot of the housework has been left to me. I haven't over-done anything, however I do have trouble trying to remember to sit down and get off of my feet. Some days, I feel like I'm constantly moving, so it's a goal for me to find more "me" time during the day.

19 weeks

Over the weekend, I went to a baby and toddler expo. It was really small and not so thrilling, but I picked up some cards for photographers to do a photo shoot once the baby is born. Dang, that stuff is expensive. Already, every day, I feel like I hardly have enough money to pay all of our bills along with stuff that I need. For example, the snow is almost all melted and the weather has been beautiful all week. I need shoes that I can slip on and off that aren't boots nor flip flops. I have maybe one pair of Toms that have already seen better days. I feel so guilty investing in a second pair, but know I should to get me through summer. When I can't spend $60 on something I need and will last me through summer, how do I justify spending a few hundred dollars on a photo shoot when I have a camera, or better yet, instagram? It's something I'm going to have to consider. For now, I take deep breaths and take each day financially one at a time. 

We have our appointment set for finding out our babies gender! May 5th!! I cannot be any more excited. In fact, I'm ready for next weekend to be here already. I have a 5k with my dog that Saturday, my hubby comes home that Sunday, then our appt the next morning. 

I have NO idea if it's a boy or a girl. Women always tell me they had a feeling or "just knew" and were right. I have no clue. I don't even know how you can tell. If I had to guess, I'd say it's a girl because her heartbeat has always been up in the 160s, which people say is usually a girl (although, I know people who had boys with faster heart beats). I also did a lot of those myths when my bff came into town and the majority pointed towards girl. Less than two weeks and we'll know. I'd be very okay having a boy; in fact,  I'm leaning more towards that way at this point (and of course, my husband wants a boy) but I really don't care what we have. I want one of each at one point so I'm thrilled to find out where we'll start. There will be more pressure for child #2 ;p

I found this tank top for $6 at the expo (and learned about a new store with awesome re-sale maternity clothes) and turned it into a dress for Easter. It was perfect!

Other than that, pregnancy is kinda boring. I keep waiting to look really pregnant. I'm starting to, but I still feel like there are certain things I can wear that make me just look like I've put on some pounds. I keep waiting for more movement-the kind where I can put my hand on and feel a foot kick me. I'm only (almost) halfway done and I'm ready for my third trimester! That sounds terrible, because that's when misery starts to kick in. I'm impatient. What can I say? Things are getting harder. Bending forward is uncomfortable, and trying to clip my toe nails is getting difficult. I guess that's a sign that I'm progressing. 

Feel free to start guessing: boy or girl! But tell me why!!! People keep throwing genders at me but I want to know if it's an educated guess or at random. Help a girl out here :)

Spring has Sprung! And that's not the only thing..My Belly!

I am at 17 weeks! I cannot believe how much time has been flying by. I went home to Chicago this past week and had an amazing time with friends and family. While there, my mom invited extended family over for lunch and we surprised everyone with the exciting news. When you live so far away from people, the thought of posting big news on Facebook is just irritating, so I was glad to tell family in person. (Although, once the news was out, we did put up a little something something to tell the rest of our Facebook "friends.")

My husbands genius idea: our Facebook announcement.

I was spoiled all week! I ate so much food, I didn't even know what to do with myself. I tried my best to keep fruits and veggies a part of my everyday diet, however lots of desserts and eating at restaurants dragged me down. Yesterday, I started getting back on track health-wise and I already feel relieved. I tried a recipe for Baked Fries from the What to Expect book, and they were yummy! I'll post the recipe below.  Eating empty calories these days is just a stress factor that I don't need-and neither does our donut baby. 

At home, I did LOTS of fun shopping with my mom. I got a lot of maternity pants!!! Exactly what I needed because buttons just aren't cutting it around my gut-or rather, I should say they are cutting it, which is why I need more give. Elastic feels magical every time I sit down. I'm still not really "big" enough to rock out many maternity shirts. I just look like I've been putting on winter weight and need to do ab work-I still don't look pregnant. I'll hold off until I really start to pop. However, the week that I was home, I felt like my tummy grew with each and every day! Things that fit when I went there were not fitting as I was packing to go home. Another reason why I am grateful for maternity clothes (and the new bras I bought). 

We still don't have a nursery since we're supposed to move in June, but I did find a gender-neutral canvas that is going up once we have some walls. I also went around Babies R Us and Target and got some good ideas so that once G and I go in to register, I won't be completely overwhelmed by stuff. 

Our Eric Carle ABC poster for the nursery

At my next appointment, we find out the gender of the baby!!! I'm waiting for G to come back from training in May so we can find out together. I cannot wait. Once we know, then we'll really go out and start buying/registering for stuff. There are so many cute things I wanted to buy but had to hold off simply because I didn't know if we were having a boy or girl, and I'm definitely making the nursery oriented towards one side over the other-no neutrality for me. I want pink or blue. 

The baby has barely been kicking. I think G got to feel it last night. He left today for a month, so I'm kind of excited for him to see me a little bit bigger when he gets back! I hope there's more activity around that point so we won't have to wonder if it's our own pulse, my dinner, or the baby that we're feeling. Not too much news at this point, but as they say, no news is good news. 




Baked Fries (from What to Expect When You're Expecting)
A Healthier Alternative to French Fries
Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 tsp canola oil
2 large baking potatoes
2 large egg whites
Kosher salt and pepper to taste (we used sea salt)

Preheat oven to 425. Grease a nonstick baking sheet with the canola oil

Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water; pat dry. Slice them lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices, then cut into fries of the desired length and pat dry again

Place the egg whites in a medium size bowl and beat with a whisk until foamy. Add the potatoes and toss until coated with the egg whites. 

Arrange the fires in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between them so they don't stick together. Bake until crisp and lightly brown on the outside and tender on the inside, about 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and paper, and serve immediately. 

1-4 weeks.

I'm at 14 weeks and I'm feeling fantastic! I've really been watching what I eat and it's making a TOTAL difference in my energy levels and my mood (my husband appreciates that). Of course, I still think about napping maybe 75% of the day, but let's face it- I am going to be tired during this whole pregnancy, and that's that. 

People who don't see me every week probably don't even notice a difference (I can still hide!!) but my behind is growing and I used to have flat, flat, flat abs. That shirt would have been loose whereas now, it clings to my gut. Slowly, but surely, I'm growing. 

I finally picked up the book What to Expect When You're Expecting. I'd been putting it off because 

1. It's a big book-it's intimidating (keep in mind, I've been reading the Game of Throne series, so another giant book was the last thing I wanted to tackle.)

2. I've been so overloaded with baby books that I just needed a break.

..but I am so glad I started reading it because it goes over a LOT of info that I either read 10 weeks ago and can't remember or stuff that I was thinking about and never had a chance to ask my doctor. The only problem with the book is that is basically says everything is bad for you, BUT "if you've already done it, it's okay and there's probably no risk". That makes me a little nervous-the writers don't know how far along the reader is. I wouldn't put in print that "you're most likely okay" for legal purposes. It's a total 180 from the last book I read.

If you haven't yet, check out the book Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven (whether yore preggo or not). They basically tell you "who cares how big the risk is, if there's any risk to harming your baby, you're an idiot for even taking a small chance at all". I like their tough love method better. Of course, I haven't gone completely vegan as they suggested, but I've been trying to cut out meats and to get dairy more and more out of my diet. This book was definitely an eye opener, and as I said, eliminating certain foods has totally changed me. 

Over the weekend, I completed my first ever 5K! It was amazing! No, actually, it sucked because we got 12 inches of snow dumped on us the night before and 1.5 miles of the path was through a park, so there was no trail to plow. We ran through deep snow for a good portion of the race, including a two-block incline. Once I got my feet back onto steady ground, my breathing returned to normal and I was able to speed up to the end. I finished in 33:49, which wasn't what I was hoping for, but considering the snow conditions, I'll take it. 

Ready for my first 5K! (My dog, Cato photobombing the picture.)

Of course, I had people saying "Don't push yourself" "Should you even be running?" "Why didn't you walk?" Never at any point did I feel like I was over-doing anything. The hill sucked, and I definitely slowed down to make sure my breathing and heart rate stayed in line, but I've been training weekly for this event since November (before I was even pregnant) so my body is used to being in motion. The baby is fine. I am fine. And no, I did not drink the free beer after the race. Thank you for asking.

Sadly, this week I did have to pull out some old size 6 jeans. I can still fit into my skinny size 4 jeans (ya know, with that stretchy material) but as for non-stretch denim, my booty just doesn't seem to squeeze like it used to. My 6s fit fine. They aren't tight in any way-except the button when I sit down. I'll be excited to buy my first pair of maternity jeans. An elastic waist sound absolutely amazing. For now, a friend taught me a trick of using an elastic band in a figure 8 through the hole and around the button so when I sit, it gives me some stretch. Totally going to try that! 

And finally, last week (13-14 weeks) I felt the baby kick!!! I felt it about 3 different times last week. The first time I told my husband that I thought the baby kicked. We weren't sure it could happen so soon, so we kinda ignored it (after pushing around my belly for a couple minutes) and thought maybe it was my tummy rumbling. I felt it again a few days later and still wasn't too sure. But the third time, I knew. I know my body and what indigestion feels like-this wasn't it. It felt like a heartbeat or something flickering around down there. It only happened for a couple seconds, but it was definitely a kick. And it was definitely one of the most amazing things in the world to realize "hey, you got a baby in that tiny belly of yours". There are still days where I still can't believe I'm pregnant, so that was a very nice reminder that I'm growing a bean in there. 

1/3 of the Way Down!

Okay ya'll. I'm officially in my second trimester. I have to admit, I lost track of how far along I was. I had my appointment yesterday and they let me know I was 12 weeks and 3 days. So now I'm not going to forget anymore! 

So much has changed in these last few weeks. Cravings have subsided (YES!), nausea is a thing of the past, however I have encountered a 5 day heartburn streak a week ago and exhaustion seems to be a daily struggle. I guess it's preparing me for when I have this kiddo. 

We got some updated ultrasound pictures!!! Oh boy, our baby was so mobile. Our little jumping bean.  We received our results, and I got the best news ever: I am a HEALTHY MAMA! Our baby is at a very, very low risk for downs syndrome-even lower risk than the average 25 year old. To me, that made my day. I struggle every day to be healthy and I'm not 100% perfect and feel terrible when I go on sugar binges, have a cup of coffee two days in a row, or that time I accidentally took Advil when I was 5 weeks along. Every little thing sticks with you and I know I'd never forgive myself if something happened to our little donut baby. 

Our baby now has limbs, fingers, toes, and facial features!

I have had TWO different women within a week come up to me and ask if I was pregnant. Therefore, I guess I'm finally showing. I'd be offended, however they were women in my Zumba classes and they know how skinny I usually am. Having a little belly popping out is bound to spark some questions. And my boobies BARELY fit into my bras. When I go home at the end of the month, I'm going shopping. I'm going to get a picture this week of my progress. 

Also, I picked up this AMAZING book I discovered called Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven. This book is seriously the best thing I've ever read. It's about what you should be eating while pregnant. In fact, it's about what you should be eating even when you're not pregnant. It's very straight forward about health and what you should be avoiding every single day of your life. If you aren't up for someone criticizing what you eat, don't read it, but if you really want to change your habits and be HEALTHY for your baby-or even just for yourself- please, read this book. 

Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. This book is changing my perspective on being healthy during pregnancy. 

So far, I am changing my habits to avoid: caffeine, decaf, sugar, artificial sweeteners (more-so than sugar), milk and meds. I discovered that hot lemon water is one of my new favorite drinks to replace tea. When I'm feeling like crap, instead of popping Tums like Skittles, I'm going to suck it up and deal with it rather than putting chemicals into my body-let's face it, if I can't deal with a small belly ache, how will I ever handle contractions? I'm considering it practice. 

Of course, I am still teaching Zumba anywhere for 4-6 times a week, plus yoga twice a week and running twice a week. My first 5K is coming up in less than two weeks and I am SO PUMPED! Running 5K's was my new years resolution for 2014. I could have easily told myself "I'm pregnant, so I can't work my way up to 3.2 miles." Well, I'm still not quite there and I don't intend to run the entire time without stopping, but I've still been putting in time and am fairly confident that I can keep a good jogging pace almost the entire time :) 

It still doesn't feel real to me. I don't feel pregnant, rather fatter and lazier, but now that I'm entering my second trimester, I'm so excited to reach new levels and new "firsts".