20 weeks

20 weeks (07.25.12)


- Far along: 20 weeks
- Size of the bean: banana (length)
- Symptoms: some ligament pain in the right upper quadrant area of my abdomen (how’s that for detail?)
- Cravings: I still really enjoy a nice cold glass of milk
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: same
- Maternity clothes: I am officially wearing the Be-band as my pants no longer button. Other than that, loose pre-pregnancy shirts are working
- Weight gained: I feel bigger than last week but haven’t weighed myself
- Best moment of the week: too many to name…read below
- Gender: COME ON, AUGUST 4th!!!
- Looking forward to: see above!

Well, well, well. What a great week and particularly a great day. I know all four of you know this, but we do serve an amazing God. Baby first, of course. Today was anatomy scan day. It was interesting. We told her we didn’t want to find out the gender during the ultrasound, so she was very cautious as she began scanning. We probably only saw about 2/3 of the whole thing because anytime she got close to the between-the-legs area, she made us turn our heads. Once she found what she was looking for, she told it was safe to look. So there we were, looking at things like ventricles (brain), right ventricular outflow tracts (heart), aortic and rental artery blood flow (heart/kidneys), a sweet little nose and mouth, femurs and hands. It was great. The little bean was a little shy about his/her bottom, though. She was trying to see the tail-end of the spine and had me flip-flopping all over the table to get him/her to move. She must’ve gotten what she needed because I’m typing this from home, not the OB’s office. Pictures were shown to the doc, he signed a clean bill of health and we were on our way! The “it’s a ___” picture is in a manila envelope and will make the trip to the baker this weekend.

After dinner tonight, I was reclined back a bit on the couch stretching out my torso like I do after most meals to get comfortable. (It doesn’t take much these days and I’m only half-way there.) I was feeling some dancing in my belly, so I rested my hand on The Bean. Lo and behold, I could feel it with my hand…something I didn’t think would/could happen for a few more weeks. So I told Brad, “Hey. See if you can feel this.” Hand on belly. Wait. Wait. Wait. THERE!!!! Sure enough, he/she kicked daddy’s hand!!! I cried, Brad laughed. Our first little family moment. 

So yes, God is great and He answers prayers! And if you haven’t read the following blog post about a survivor from last week’s Colorado tragedy, you should. Miracles occur. All the time. He is good.

http://bstrait.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-miracle-inside-the-the-aurora-shooting-one-victims-story/

And here are some pics:

20 weeks (half-way there!)

Baby L = banana (length)

19 weeks

19 weeks -- 7/18/12

- Far along: 19 weeks

- Size of the bean: large heirloom tomato
- Symptoms: none at the moment
- Cravings: milk!
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning, but so is Brad so we might in the market for a new mattress
- Maternity clothes: not yet
- Weight gained: I feel bigger than last week but haven’t weighed myself
- Best moment of the week: starting to feel some flutters!
- Gender: COME ON, AUGUST 4th!!!
- Looking forward to: the anatomy scan next week!


I’ve been feeling fairly well this last week. Of course, having six days off from work will do that to a person :). Because we thought we were moving just a few weeks ago, my mom helped me pack up the living and dining rooms when she was here. Therefore, there have been boxes sitting around for a while and it was DRIVING ME CRAZY! So this week, Brad and I cleaned out the guest room closet and spent some time unpacking those boxes. I still can’t believe how much stuff two people can accumulate in a two bedroom apartment, but it happens. And I can only imagine how much that will grow once The Bean arrives! Nevertheless, five large trash bags to Goodwill later, things are looking…the same. Geez. I think once we take the furniture out of the guest room, it’ll make me feel better.

Gender reveal party invites are out and I am SO ready. I stopped by and taste-tested some cupcakes from a local bakery and oh. My. Stars. Delish. They’re a bit expensive so we’ll see if that’s the end contender, but either way, I had a little bite of heaven this week.

We have just a few short days until the big ultrasound and I think I’m getting more and more anxious every day. I’m sure I’ll have a hard time sleeping the night before but am hoping for that peace I keep talking about. We’re looking forward to having some of our favorite people in one room together and sharing some BIG news!!!

19 weeks

It's kind of a weird angle and please excuse the hair in the face.

18 weeks

18 WEEKS (07.11.12)


- Far along: 18 weeks
- Size of the bean: bell pepper
- Symptoms: it’s all getting a little better
- Cravings: same – guac and milk
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: tossing and turning
- Maternity clothes: not really
- Weight gained: officially 6 pounds per the doctor’s scale
- Best moment of the week: hearing that sweet little heart beat
- Gender: waiting for 8/4
- Looking forward to: my next 6 days off!!!

I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. Sure, I have a belly I’ve never had before and I feel like I eat all the time, but I don’t feel as exhausted and hopefully I’m a little nicer (silly hormones). Evi’s party was so fun and it was great to see everyone. I’ll post a few pics after I send them to her mom and dad first!

I went to the doctor today for a check-up. Not much happens yet at these appointments…just some measurements and question-answering. My blood pressure is normal, labs drawn at the other physician’s office looked good and The Bean’s heartbeat was 156 (or maybe 154). I’ve gained 6 pounds so far, which is fine as long as I keep growing. They drew some more blood for the Quad Screen (spina bifida and Down’s syndrome screening) and I scheduled our 20-week anatomy scan for July 25th. Brad will accompany me to that and while we won’t find out the gender at that time, we will see all the important organs (heart, brain, kidneys, etc.). The curse of being a PICU nurse is how much I know about everything. While I haven’t worried at all about any of it, I am anxious to see that little Bean again! Prayers that I continue to feel at peace about it all would be appreciated!

18 weeks

To clarify...when comparing to any particular food, Baby L may not actually be that size, but

close to some measurement of the food.  In this case, The Bean is about the length of a bell pepper.

17 weeks

17 WEEKS (07.04.12)


- Far along: 17 weeks
- Size of the bean: turnip
- Symptoms: same ol’, same ol’
- Cravings: nothing specific but I am loving some guacamole and milk (not together)
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: Waking up usually twice for a bathroom break; a lot of tossing and turning; crazy dreams
- Maternity clothes: a tank top here and there
- Weight gained: I never weighed myself before I got pregnant but from what I can remember, I think I’m up 4-5 pounds
- Best moment of the week: knowing we DON’T HAVE TO MOVE!!!
- Gender: waiting for 8/4!
- Looking forward to: the next, BIG ultrasound

The last week was great – so many blessings! Since April or so, we’ve been planning to move at the end of June/beginning of July. Our commitment with CARES has officially ended and as much as we love our apartment, it just wasn’t financially reasonable to stay here. However, after talking with our apartment manager (and his generosity), we’re staying!!! While I’m thankful my mom was able to come down and help pack us up a bit, I’m so excited I get to unpack those boxes right where they sit now! We also decided to continue CARES for another few months while they find our replacement team. We’d hate for the residents to see such a lag in time between events and we want to serve them, so we’re in it through August.

We get to see the Litteken family this week at our sweet niece’s first birthday party! We’re so excited to get away from Houston for the weekend and to spend some quality time together and with family.

17 weeks

Also known as the first time I have ever purchased a turnip in my life!

16 weeks

16 WEEKS (06.27.12)


- Far along: 16 weeks
- Size of the bean: avocado
- Symptoms: same…
- Cravings: none
- Aversions: none
- Sleep: Waking up usually twice for a bathroom break; a lot of tossing and turning; crazy dreams
- Maternity clothes: not yet
- Weight gained: I never weighed myself before I got pregnant but from what I can remember, I think I’m up 4ish pounds
- Best moment of the week: having Mom here this week and looking at furniture
- Gender: waiting for 8/4
- Looking forward to: having a real belly


So let me explain…just when I thought I had a grip on my emotions, BOOM! Twice this last week I’ve cried over silly things. I mean, they were sort of silly. Once when my mom called and said she didn’t think she could come after all. I was seriously looking forward to mom/daughter time and at that moment in time, my life. Was. Ruined. I called Brad crying, so we met up for lunch. Sweet man. And Mom came after all. [The real story is that she was rear-ended in Marshall, her car was totaled and she had to wait for a rental. Luckily, she was totally okay and wanted to come so it all worked out. And yes, I felt awful for that selfish moment of crying.] The second time was today when she left. Well, that and I hate moving and really don’t want to.

I know that I should be careful when wishing for a belly, but honestly, it’s a clothes thing. My current clothes still fit but aren’t nearly as comfortable. I’m not quite in maternity stuff so I just feel fat. Yes, it’s for good reason, but still.

16 weeks

I'm still wearing a lot of loose, comfortable clothing so it's hard to tell in some pictures...

15 weeks

15 WEEKS

-          Far along: 15 weeks

-          Size of the bean: apple

-          Symptoms: bowel issues

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: food in general makes me cringe sometimes (see ‘symptoms’)

-          Sleep:

-          Maternity clothes: not yet

-          Weight gained: probably 2 pounds by now; I’m bad about weighing myself

-          Best moment of the week: making it FB official

-          Gender: waiting for 8/4/12…

-          Looking forward to: the second trimester energy surge

Baby L, you are already so loved!  I know it sounds silly (and one day I will explain), but when I let the world of Facebook know you are due to arrive as an awesome Christmas present, the social media world went nuts.  Over 100 people either commented or “liked” the fact that you’re coming!  So many people are praying for you and for Mommy and Daddy and we couldn’t be more happy.  I pray every day for you to keep growing and to be healthy.  I know deep down, Daddy really wants a boy, but honestly I know we just want you to be healthy (you know, four chambered heart with all the right plumbing, developed brain and other vital organs).  Most of all, we want you to grow to know Christ.  That’s a whole post on its own, though.

(My photographer was in the Alaskan wilderness this week so no belly pic.)

14 weeks

14 WEEKS (written 6/12/12)

I’m a day early but I’m sure after work tomorrow, I’ll either forget or be too tired to update.  I met the new doctor today.  It was a pretty ridiculous appointment in terms of wait-time.  Checked in at 10:30, finally got paper work to fill out at 10:50, called back at 11:45, out of there at 12:30.  Of course, the old office hadn’t sent over any records so Dr. Ross just kind of winged it.  No blood word.  No ultrasound.  Just a good old-fashion exam with the added bonus of hearing fetal heart tones (150ish bpm).  I go back in 4 weeks and then the “big” ultrasound is in 6.  EEK!

-          Far along: 14 weeks

-          Size of the bean: lemon

-          Symptoms: fatigue (again/still), indigestion, feeling bloated

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: meat but it’s getting a little better

-          Sleep: I’ve been so tired from my work schedule, it’s been better

-          Maternity clothes: not yet

-          Weight gained: officially 1.5 pounds

-          Best moment of the week: talking to my BFFs about it on the phone!!!

-          Gender: Don’t know, but hopefully he/she will cooperate and we’ll reveal on 8/4/12

-          Looking forward to: my mom coming in 1.5 weeks :))) and starting to take weekly belly pics



14 weeks



12 weeks

12 WEEKS

Slowly but surely, we’re telling more people.  I’m looking forward to getting in the second trimester and the lack of evening sickness and that “burst of energy” people talk about!  I’ve definitely got a bump going on.  It really just feels like I’m fat or bloated but it doesn’t go away like it used to.  I spent some time at Ashley’s today just hanging out at the pool and having girl time.  Her sister-in-law knows my physician group and after talking about that for a bit, I finally decided it’s time to switch OBs.  I’ll talk to a few people at work that know about the Bean and see if they have recommendations.  I’m praying I’ll easily find someone that will accept me as a new patient and that I can trust.

Highlights

-          Far along: 12 weeks

-          Size of the bean: small lime

-          Symptoms: nausea, indigestion

-          Cravings: none

-          Aversions: meat; and sweets if it’s too much or too rich

-          Sleep: still sleeping well

-          Maternity clothes: not yet, but Ashley gave me some tanks and shirts to borrow when it comes to that

-          Weight gained: none

-          Best moment of the week: taking pregnancy announcement photos and ordering them

-          Gender: who knows…but Brad says boy

-          Looking forward to: second trimester!



12 weeks!
(This was also the picture we used for mail-out announcements to friends and family.)