So it hit me today that my due date is August 21 (three months from today),  I can not believe how fast the time as flown by since December.  It seems that I am more active than ever right now, mostly due to the weather.  I hope I can keep this energy for a bit longer.  I am loving my walks and working in the yard.  Spring time is always the time of year when I get energized.  I would have to say that so far my pregnancy has been a very easy one.  No major complications, I have not missed any work due to morning sickness either, so I figure that is a good thing.   (side note…I was sitting outside enjoying the evening and had to come in cuz the mosquitos were eating me alive….only downside to nice weather)  I have been feeling a lot more movement from our little one these days, but have not noticed a specific pattern yet.  For awhile there I thought I was never going to feel it, so when I did I was happy and able to put that worry behind me.  I have not been acting quite the way I expected during this pregnancy, I expected  little bit more emotional and paranoid, but I think I have been doing pretty good in those areas.  I do notice that at work I am more easily agitated by my boss, I just try to take some deep breaths and get past it, sometimes even go for a walk.  I would not want to give him any reason to replace me, at least not at this time.  Anyway, I digress a bit.

I am getting a bit nervous about what kind of parents we will be and how our lives will change and how we adapt to those changes.  I wonder if all parents to be go thru this same fear.  I can only imagine so.  Andy and i will be taking some classes in June, one dealing with childbirth, another dealing with childcare and then I will be taking a breastfeeding class.  I am very much hoping that we will be able to breastfeed for a bit, even with me going back to work.  but we shall see.  Ok, well Minos is asking for attention, so will go for now.

I know they say that pregnant women have these kinds of days, I guess I have been fairly lucky as they are been few and far between.  Today I got up with Andy when he was getting ready for work.  Made his lunch (which I enjoy doing) and made him some breakfast.  At that point I started a list of things to get done today, knowing full well that some would lap over to tomorrow or not get done at all, but I they have a better chance of getting done if I put them on the list.  I ate some breakfast, did the dishes and suddenly felt very tired.  So went to lay down.  I had a hard time falling asleep, but once there I slept for about 45 minutes and made myself get out of bed.  I was still tired, even though we were in bed and mostly asleep before 11 last night and did not get up til 7, surely that was enough sleeps to get me thru a few hours before a nap would be nice, but not today.  So I took a shower, hoping it will help.  Now I still feel like crying and sleeping.  My feet are swollen today.  With the beautiful weather I want to be energetic and full of life, not sitting on the couch ready to cry with swollen feet.

Im not whining, at least I hope not.  I am hoping that if I just sit and write the weepiness will subside and I can get moving again.  Heres to hoping, however as of right now its not.  So I could be back in a bit, but for now I need something to drink and a little snack.

Well its been a few weeks since I was last here and not too terribly much has happened.  I am officially done with taxes this seasons.  And thankfully so.  I was getting tired of it.  I had a much better year this year than last year as for has how many returns I did and I am getting a bonus this year.  Still not sure how much but should know by this weekend I would think, or at least have a good idea of what it will be.  We have no news on the baby other than all appears to be going well.  I have a dr appt on April 30 and then we go in for ultrasound on May 1.  We found out my cousin is having a little girl (they are due Sept 8), I hope that with our children being close in age that maybe they can end up close like me and some of our cousins are.  It would be cool.  Anyway, other than that things are ok.  Andy is working, Tuesday thru Saturdays now, and also in class on MWF in the evenings.  My day off has been fluctuating so we dont get too much time together where one of us is nto busy doing something else, him homework and me housework, but its not been too bad so far.

Well looks like I am putting together some paperwork, so will cut this short.

Its been an interesting couple of weeks for us.  Last week we got the results back from our quad test, they were positive for the possibility of down syndrome.  It was a little daunting, but the doctor reassured me that the chances were minimal, but that we should be aware that the chance was there.  They were already sending me to St Mary’s for an ultrasound due to the fact that I was born with a hole in my heart (which healed itself and has caused me no problems) so we already doing the next thing needed to check for downs.  So yesterday we went to St Mary’s for the ultrasound and we also met with a genecist to go over everything relating to chromosome abnormalities and what our options were and what they would be looking for in the ultrasound.  They would be looking for the physical characteristics associated with Downs and other abnormalities.  It was all a bit overwhelming, but in the end, everything looks good.  We were unable to see any physical evidence that there could be something wrong.  However, the baby was most uncooperative when it came to us looking at the nose and the heart (stubbornness already…go figure), so we are going back in about 4 weeks for another ultrasound to check on those things.

We are hoping to know what we are having at that time as well.

So yesterday was an awesome day.  I am so glad that Andy was able to go with me.  Also, funny story about yesterday.  When we arrived at the hospital I had to go to the bathroom, but when we checked in the lady told me I needed a full bladder for the ultrasound.  So I did not go, we registered then went up to the fetal area, I filled out more paperwork, and we waited about 10 mins before we sat down with the genecist.  We met with her for about 45 mins (keep in mind that I have yet to go to the restroom and its been an hour and half).  After the genecist, we went back to waiting room to wait for ultrasound.  I asked the nurse in the fetal registration area if I could go and she also told me that I should hold it unless I was in significant discomfort.  So I continued to hold it (we are close to two hours now).  After a few minutes we went into the room for the ultrasound, I got up on the bed, we did some more paperwork  and THEN she put the goopy stuff on and we were going to start the ultrasound, first thing she noticed was the full bladder (we even have a pic of it) and she told me I could go to the bathroom and why did all those mean people make me hold it.  So we wiped off the goopy stuff and I was able to relieve my bladder and then she reapplied the goopy stuff and we continued.  Morale of the story, most of the time people dont know what they are talking about!!! hehe

Yesterday was my 3rd appt and we got to hear the heartbeat again.  This time Andy was there too and got to hear it.   It just makes me smile to think about it, this little person growing, the heartbeat was proof and just what I needed to reassure me that everything is going fine.   I had been thinking something might be wrong because I was feeling almost normal.  But now I know everything is going as it should.  I will have my first ultrasound within the next few weeks.  They are having me go to Barnes or St Mary’s for it, because the equipment at those places is much better and becuase I had a small hole in my heart when I was born and there is slight chance the baby could too.

I actually caught Andy smiling last night, lately that has been few and far between.   I can only hope that having this baby can be a bright spot for him even in these times of hardship.  I know he is stressed and each day that passes without an offer makes it worse, but I know we will get thru it.  OK so its back to work for me.

I had hopes, but then about a month ago Andy got laid off, as of today he is still interviewing and no offers, but I am sure something will come up soon.  Then yesterday, I got bad news at work.  My hours (and pay) and everyone elses have been cut to 75%.  This has happened before and lasted for about 3 months, but at that time I was single and did not have the debt/bills that we have now.  I was devasted when they told us, caught me completely off guard.  I so did not see it coming.  After about 30 minutes of crying, it occurs to me that getting depressed and angry is not healthy, so I became determined to put a positive spin on this.  I have been wanting some time off for a while and so now I have it.  We are ok thru this month and part of April, so with any luck Andy will find a job that pays more than unemployment and we will muddle thru somehow.  Andy is a little worried about me and swears that something must be wrong, but as I said i am trying to stay positive, its better for me and for the baby.  Besides, he has enough depression going on for the both of us at times.

Andy suggested looking for a new job, but it does not make much sense to me unless i get indication that the doors are closing where I am at.  When the baby is born I will have 5 to 6 weeks off paid, any new place we will not have that.  Also, if the economy keeps going to shit wont I be the first person let go at a new place???  So I am looking but not aggressively, never hurts to see what is out there.  So that is where we stand these days.

Ok, so first trimester is officially over!!!  yeah!  The nausea is only around part of the day now, mostly in the evenings around bed time.   So I am thankful for that.  I feel a bit more energetic, but still get tired easily.  Next week I have my next dr appt and I think they are going to do the first ultrasound as well as do some blood tests for abnormalities.  I am starting to get more excited, even went so far as to start thinking about the registry and items that we will need.  Andy and I talked a little bit about the baby’s room this weekend.  We have some work to do, but he will not be in class in March so maybe we can do some of that in the evenings.  I am kind of anxious to get started.

Just wanted to do a little update.  Be back soon!

Ok, so officially I am 11 weeks and 4 days and very much ready to be at least 13 weeks.  I hear that the hormones level off at during your 12th week and then the nausea could lessen at that time.  I am SOOO hoping that is true.  What I think is most deflating is that most people I speak with either never had morning sickness or it was limited to once or twice a day, mine is a constant feeling that goes away temporarily when I eat but comes back shortly there after.   Thankfully I am not running to the bathroom, just have that sick to my stomach feeling all day long.  I am not complaining!!  Just ready for it to be over.

Other than that, things are going well.  Last week I had an appointment and the doctor did a pelvic exam, said everything was looking pretty good and moving along nicely.  We also got to listen to the heartbeat, it was strong and easy to find.  At that point it become more real to me.  Up to then all I had was the upset tummy and a little weight gain, but now, there is actually a little person growing inside me and I have proof!  I am still not getting too excited, I am definitely happy, but containing myself and not running out to do any shopping just yet!  This is due in part to the fact that right now things are a little tight on the homefront.  Andy was laid off last friday and is looking for a new job.  So until that time, we are conserving money as best we can.   So any shopping will have to wait just a bit.

We are still throwing around whether or not we want to know what the sex is.  I would never have guessed it would be that hard of a decision to make.  Andy thinks if we do find out we keep it secret from everyone else, let them be surprised.  I think I am leaning towards that plan.  As opposed to not finding out at all, I think the suspense would drive me nuts.    Anyway, we have a few weeks at least before we have to decide on that.  Getting back to work.  Write more soon!

Ok so I have been meaning to do this for a while, but have been kind of busy and distracted.  The week before christmas was a busy time for us, but I was also dealing with some personal things.  I had been what I thought was PMS’ing for about a week and a half and had not started yet.  So the wheels started turning and I began to suspect I was pregnant.  I was a little nervous about what Andy would feel and think because we had not really talked about whether or not it was time to start trying.  I was out shopping that friday night and thought about getting a test and taking one, but I got distracted by having dinner with a friend.  So on Saturday, I finally mentioned it to Andy while we were on our way to Walmart to pick up some last minute things before getting ready for the family christmas party.   I told him I was a few days late and some weird stuff was going on.  He said he was aware of that, surprised me that he was paying that close of attention with everything else that had been going on.  Anyway, he talked me into taking a home pregnancy test.  Wouldn’t you know that by the time we got home and stuff i was unable to go to the bathroom.  Any other time I have to go as soon as I get home, no matter how long I have been out.

So the first time I took the test (first time EVER taking one of these) I thought maybe I did it wrong, but we got two lines, the second one being kind of faint.  I told Andy, well it looks positive, but maybe we should do the other one (as two come in a box) in the morning when the HCG (?) levels are at their highest.  But you know there is no way I was waiting til morning.  So right before we headed out the door to go to the family party I did the other one.  WOO HOO…same results!  I was still a little nervous and still not sure what Andy was thinking.   Of course I cried (its what I am good at…hehe) and he held me and made some jokes about little ones and stuff.    So I had to ask him what he thought just to be sure it was ok to be happy!  I know sounds a little ridiculous but I wanted him to be ok and happy with the news.  He was ok with it and we decided to tell my mom when we got to the house so she could be the first to know.  She was happy for us too…cried with me….and then my cousin walked in and thus began the night of telling everyone the great news and the wonderful christmas present Andy and I had received.

I did go to the doctor the following monday to have the bloodwork done and it came back positive.  Tomorrow I go in to see the nurse and we go from there.

Needless to say this will be a Christmas to remember!

This was our first trip to the Grand Canyon.  We arrived in Vegas about 9:30 their time, got into a rental car and headed to the South Rim (Grand Canyon, AZ).  The drive was just under 4 hours and included a jaunt over the Hoover Dam (first time seeing that).  It was pretty cool, but the traffic was icky!  The remainder of the drive was uneventful, but I was wide awake as I had never been in that part of AZ before.  I love to see new places.  Much to my surprise we got into Grand Canyon AZ fairly early and had plenty of time to head up to the Canyon and spend a few hours AND see the sunset!!  Woo Hoo.  I was all kinds of excited by that and the guys were more than happy to accomodate me.  I was truly amazed at the site of the canyon as we walked up to one of the railings.  I was not prepared for its massiveness.  I should have been, but I was not.  I dont think I could do it any kind of justice to describe it.  I highly recommend everyone go see it at least once.

As sunset was a few hours away, we walked along the rim, taking pics.  We even went back to the car and headed to a nother parking lot to see a different part of the canyon.  It was this second location that we found the perfect spot to watch the sunset.  So for an hour we sat, chatted, and took more pictures.  As the time got closer there were more and more people finding a spot on “our” ledge (which was pretty big).  Just being there was breathtaking.  I could have sat in silence just gazing over the edge for hours.  Sunset was beautiful and relaxing.    I hope to have some pics up soon for you to see.

From the sunset we headed back to town to grab some dinner.  We went into the Canyon Star Restaurant and I could see that Andy and Dan were in their own personal hell.  There was live entertainment - a gentleman sitting on a stage with a Banjo, he played pretty much non stop the entire time we were there.  Andy and Dan are not much for the bluegrass/country/folksy type music.  hehe  But dinner was good and I did not think it was too bad.  We were all pretty tired so we hit the hay pretty early and planned to get up early the next morning to spend a few more hours at the canyon before heading back to Vegas.

The next morning we had breakfast in the hotel and then headed up to the canyon.  We had decided to do a fossil walk,  Andy was bored out of his mind but Dan and I were interested.  So we heard about fossils and then went on a hunt to find some.  Took some pics and then convinced Andy that we should walk along one of the trails that leads to the bottom of the canyon.  I was way excited!!!  We had only been walking for about 10 minutes when Andy decided he had gone far enough.  Keep in mind that there are no railings on this trail (its about 5 feet, maybe 6 feet wide tops).  So Andy stayed put and Dan and I walked a little farther down and around a corner.  We got to see a Big Horn Sheep and his family (two babies and two momma’s best I could tell).  Took some more awesome pics and headed back up to Andy.   From there we got back into the car and headed east towards whats called the Watchtower.  That was pretty cool.  Then we had lunch (nothing spectacular) and headed out of town back to Vegas.

I will save our antics in Vegas for another post…so check back soon..