26 weeks

"26 weeks, End of our 2nd trimester; one more to go!"

1. Weekly Weights & Measurements: I'm still at about 20 lbs gained since the day I found out I was pregnant. This is a lot more than I originally wanted to gain, but your body isn't really your body when your pregnant. I read an important quote in my favorite pregnancy book that went something like this "Your body is somebody's home right now, it's not really yours....and don't obsess over it by going to the gym every day and working too hard because god forbid if something were ever to happen, you wouldn't want it to be something that could have been prevented" SO...this has been my philosphy on the weight-gain. It doesn't mean I wish I was a little more attractive and obviously didn't blow up this huge, but I guess pregnancy modeling just wasn't in the cards for this girl haha. I will live........
   
2. Tests & their results: I have a glucose test on the 25th too test for diabetes. I never knew this until I was scheduling the appointment, but around this time women get screened for diabetes because during pregnancy, it's much more likely to develop & than go away after pregnancy. There is a big fancy name for it, I don't remember it, I just know long-name-short: diabetes. We will see! Other than that, Jeff and I are debating getting a 3D Ultrasound or not. I am not scheduled to get any more ultrasounds, and I'm so anxious to see what he looks like now that he's a big boy! On the other hand, I think waiting for that big moment of seeing him and not having any clue what he was going to look like is sooooo worth the wait. Right now, it's up in the air, but I think I'm up for waiting for that big surprise :)
3. Reactions to your developing body: I'm really not to bummed out at my new body. I'll admit, it's definitely not a time I'll remember for being extremely confident, but I'm pregnant! I don't really stand in front of the mirror crying at all the unappealing changes because I'm determined and focused on getting rid of them right after the baby is here. Right now I want to focus on stuff I can control, and my body isn't one of those so I haven't been reacting too crazy. What has been pretty wild for me to get use too is the physical changes that happen OVER NIGHT. Being able to get out of bed the same way I have the last 20 years is the first change that's weird getting used too. My back isn't strong enough and strains way too much now if I don't take my time, pace myself and pull myself up with all my muscles. My belly is also super big now, I swear it happen over night, and get's in the way of me crossing my feet and curling up like I have my whole life. It's just not comfy and feels like I'm cutting off my airways somewhere haha.
   
4. Questions to ask the doctor: I am asking my doctor a bunch of questions at my next doctor's visit. Some of them that I have written down are:
   
   • What do Braxton Hicks Contractions feel like
     
   • What type of birth controls are out there and the differences between them
   • When can I get back on birth control after delivery?
     
   • Any suggestions for birthing classes
     
   • My salt intake- how it effects me
5. Cravings and Mood Swings: I haven't been craving anything besides Rocky Road Ice-Cream. Love that stufff! and my moods are pretty consistent this week. I noticed myself being really deep & sentimental today lol. I was asking Jeff a million questions about his childhood because I feel like I should know him more for dating him for 6 years so if I found a scar on his back, I asked him to tell me the story and I can listen to him talk for hours & getting so excited to have these two boys in my life, Conner & Jeffrey Doran :)
6. Changes happening to the body and the mind: This week I called my nurse in a freak panic, and was really close to driving to the hospital. Long story short, I woke up and had severe SEVVERE swelling in my feet and ankles. they were so swollen, I couldn't even put my feet in my shoes, and I was really scared about preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disease that women sometimes develop in Pregnancy and it can't be prevented. It's really harmful to the baby and mother, and one of the biggest symptoms are swelling & vomiting (both of these I had all week which is why I was freaking out.) Anyways, the doctor had told me that based off the stuff I told her I was eating, I could be reacting really sensitively too salt and swelling when a meal had too much salt for my body's liking. I elevated my legs all night, and found that she was right! My feet were all better the next morning, but they do swell up based off what I eat. What sucks is not having the time to make everything I should be eating. My nurse told me that even eating mac-n-cheese out of the box is filled with salt and unhealthy, but I realistically will not find time to sit at home and make 30 minutes meals all day! I have started paying attention the sodium intake I digest, and keeping it under/around the max count she told me.....It' s hard work, but I'm glad it's nothing that could harm the baby! and my nurse........she's such a Biiiiiiiotch. She's so judgmental, and I feel like she talks down to me every time I call. I was really stubborn at first and didn't think she was right, but she was haha. I feel really good about naming our son Conner! It sounds perfect, and I know I love it because everytime a child runs by me and I even think I heard the mom call him Conner, I go up to her and tell her how cute his name is and ask what the middle name is lol! Jeff doesn't really like the spelling CONNOR, he likes CONNER a lot better, and I'm not opposed to it so if it's something he's really passionate about than CONNER it is. I really like the name: Conner Dean Doran or Conner Riley Doran (Jefff hates Riley so I'm not sure if I'll win this one any time soon.) Other than that, the names are being eliminated and we are getting close!!
   
   * I also am so proud of baby boy for his big kicks! He kicks so tough now it makes my tummy rock, and if a blanket is laying on time, it fluffs up a little if he's doing his summersaults. It's the best feeling!! His kicks keep me grounded. If I ever start getting too emotional, or too exhausted from pregnancy, his kicks keep me motivated. I love him so much!
   

25 weeks, Happy Easter!

PREGGGGO!

How far along: 25 weeks.

Total Weight Gain: do we have to talk about this? hahah it's like 19 lbs. I feel like I've put on a total of 55lbs though. my back is in bad condition, i ended up seeing a doctor for the sharp pains and I see a chiropractor about once a week. And as of last week, I can't get myself out of bed entirely on my own using my back lol, it's more like a roll-to-the-side, use your arms and legs, "let's hope we're lucky" process now getting out of bed haha.

Maternity Clothes: I dont think I could own anything otherwise at this point! The only thing not maternity is my pajamas. I bought some lounging shorts a couple months ago, and loved them, but there super snug now so it's time to invest in some more.... I have one pair of yoga pants that I wear like daily to work, i can't even tell you how much I hate putting those on every morning. I miss having a closet full of amazing options, but my maternity jeans are nothing to complain about :) love those babies.

Sleep: alright, this is the worst. I swear I'm pulling in around 3 hours of sleep a night? I can't wait till my next doctor visit to see what he recommended for this because I'm barely getting by. I know a lot of the reason I can't sleep is I'm just getting use to Connor's kicks and he especially kicks and somersaults at night, but last night I was feeling really anxious. My anxiety was through the roof every time I would wake up, I felt like crap, so I think, subconsciously, I'm getting really nervous now that baby kicks are there and my house is slowly feeling up with baby furniture! Even right now, I woke up like two hours ago, and I feel like it's nap time already. lol :/

Miss anything: Yes! I'm coming up to the end of my second trimester, and my baby is HUGE, therefore, I'm huge. Being huge has never been more uncomfortable, especially with a incredibly important tummy to protect, when I do try to bike ride & squat. Jeff has been really awesome about pushing me to keep working out and as much as I complain, cry and hate him for it...after that hour, I'm super thankful lol. I'm missing wine! and my hair has grown an incredible amount (as amazing as that sounds..yes I'm about to complain again.......it's awful to tame and straighten and control...haha)

Movement: Yes! He's a kicker, and I can feel him strong enough to track his movement. It's a scary feeling when he naps too long, and I don't feel him kick, so I'm learning the different ways that get him kicking lots. So far, I've figured out that the three, never to fail, "let's get connor kicking" strategies are 1)drink an entire bottle of water 2) lay on my back, flat and wait about 60 seconds 3)eat an entire meal, a little pass the point of comfort. and kicks feel great, for the most part.

Food Cravings: I have Arby's once a day! When I look back to this pregnancy, I'll remember how thankful I was for Arby's!


Things making you sick yet: I just get really nauseious if I can't get too food fast enough, or skip breakfest. This is actually a big change for me because the baby needs this food to grow, but more times than not, I'm not hungry & my body will get sick from not eating. I've learned to control this and I've learned when I need food, but this is about the only reason I ever get sick.

Starting to show yet: Oooooooooh yes. I'm rocking swollen ankles, huge boobs and the baby bump! 100% pregnant

Best moment this week:

• We registered at babies-r-us! It was so fun, and also so scary, because I had no idea what some of that stuff was in there. I learned eventually, and I'd say I'm pretty pro-status now haha, but at first I was just about binkies & bibs. I didn't know the first thing about humidifiers, swaddle blankets, breast pumps.
• We decided on doing Connor's room with the Lion King Crib set! It's seriously to die for.I love it so much!
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• Easter has been the only holiday I could really celebrate during my pregnancy so my sisters, dad and brother painted my belly with a cute little easter egg!
  
  
  

Hormones maybe?

Before I am a mom, and before I'm a girlfriend, I'm CARRIE. I'm so proud of the person I am, and I'm always working hard to make sure my loved ones are happy... but pregnancy sometimes plays with your emotions.


Coping with stress is one of the hardest things to do pregnant. Your still the same person you were before you got pregnant therefore, the same things aggravate you and upset you, but getting too stressed out hurts the baby so in order to deal with it, I've just ignored everything., and in the process forgotten who I am. I've had my share of mood swings this pregnancy, and currently I have days where I just feel like nothing about me specifically matters, it's everyone else.

Pregnancy is one of the most amazing things life has to offer, but just like everything else in life, there are parts of it that are extremely hard to deal with (any mom who says different is lying! I know it.) I've been left up at nights worried about my new role as a mom, how our financial situation will be, the physical changes to my body are exciting/overwhelming at the same time and lastly, is the adjustments in my relationship.

The best way to handle these things I've realized is talking about it (imagine that?) and making time for myself.

I decided to blog about not just the amazing things pregnancy has offered me, but I wanted to share the challenges too... so for all of you who still have yet to be pregnant, don't feel alone! and hopefully it helps a little to know its all completely normal.
I've read blogs by other mothers, and they really helped shed some light on these problems because the majority of people deal with them.

Things that have helped:
-Relaxing. People say relaxing and many things come to mind, but the best way for me to relax has been by taking baths with some candles haha, and the lights off. It makes me feel at peace! weird? maybe, but afterwards I feel like a million times better
-Keeping Friends, Family and my Baby Daddy<3 in the loop. I go to different people with my different problems and it helps keep me on ground.

Today I feel like a million dollars, and am so proud of my family-to-be. :) I just wanted to ramble a little bit about the struggles that come with this sometimes.

20 Weeks-HALF WAY THERE!

2o weeks, We are HALF WAY THERE Ladies & Gents!

Just rambling for this week:

• I was so excited to take this picture because half-way there seems so surreal.
  
• This week I thought alot about where I'd be if i wasn't pregnant. I know girls my age live for going out, dressing all dolled up, impressing the boys, partying and I can't say I wouldn't be doing that If I wasn't pregnant......but I feel like I have so much to live for now. A meaning, obviously but I'm so happy and content with my life. Getting pregnant at a young age can be difficult, and I can totally see where girls would struggle because you see everyone doing one thing, and you are forced to do another, but trust me...if you ever get to that point: be thankful! This life is one thousand times better.
  
• On the controversy, this week I started getting morning sickness? MORNING SICKNESS AT 6 MONTHS? come again please?!?! but yes. I started throwing up pretty bad after meals that were a bit spicy, and this morning I had my first official freak out which almost had me at the hospital. Jeff and I got smoothies because I thought drinking those would be more beneficial and ease the nauseousness, than I got to work and ate some faustos.... within minutes I was literally passing out and puking everywhere so I called the doctor ASAP and contemplated all day whether to go to the hospital. Luckily I had some nice co-workers help calm me down untill the doctor called me back which revealed I wasn't on that great of a diet & that was it. She said stop all dairy products and spicy food.......wahhhhhhh.......and cut down on sugar. Although this sucks because if you know me, spicy food, ice cream and milk are my FAV's, it's worth it. Let's see how I do! Hopefully no more scares.
  
• I'm really thinking about doing the babies room in safari theme! I love these particularly:
  
  I think I could work with this and make it TO DIE FOR cute :)
• Last but not least, work! ahhhh....exhausting. I've been putting way too much in lately, and I'm very thankful for my job, but I'm in desperate need for just some time AWAY. I put in for a week off starting next week, and I am already pumped about it and started planning loads of things I've been wanting to do forever now. I really need to learn how to manage my time and stop putting work above everything. It's important, but in the long run, school and family and house work and things like that need to get done just as much.
  

19 weeks

So this week I didn't get to do my chalkboard picture. Reason being is I'm spending time at my dads, so I decided just to do some quick snap shots of my bare belly :)

My baby

Due Date: July 20^th, 2012

Do you know the sex? A fabulous little boy

Any names? We love Conner and Caden! I’m sure the list will build, but when I’m talking about him, I refer to him as Conner….so………:D

Any Ultrasounds? We have one this week, So excited! I’ve had two, one when we first found out and one when we found out the sex. Each time he looks so different, but what else can I expect…it’s because he’s growing and looking more and more human each time! Last time he definitely looked a little like a Alien……hope that’s changed hahah!

Have you heard the heart beat? Of course we have! We hear it at every appointment and I’m never tired of it.

Who do you think it will look like? I haven’t really thought of this much yet which is surprising to me. Jeff said he had my nose in our last ultrasound and then I totally saw it, so I’m hoping a little bit of both.

Will the baby have siblings? He better have siblings, just not for a couple years! Life is so unexpected so you never know what is to come, but I want a couple years in between each other so I have quality time with each one and I also think that’s a good age gap between the few.

Have you felt the baby move? I THINK so! I’m pretty positive I’ve felt him a couple times, but they are so short and weak that I can’t really describe it. It almost feels like your stomach is about to growl, but it doesn’t. It just beats in these couple spots a few times and then it’s over. Weird!

Are you ready for a baby? Ohhhhhhhhhh boy, how do you answer this question? Is anyone ever ready? I’m definitely not rushing this pregnancy at all, I need the time to adjust and mature and just adapt to all these changes. When you think of 9 months, you think you have forever in front of you……….but than it comes…and months pass by….and before you know it your half way there! It really seems like just yesterday I was partying with friends and worrying about the stupid stuff like drama, gossip, shopping……now I have a new life in front of me that takes some getting used to. It has so many more things to offer and I wouldn’t change being pregnant for the world, but I just want to enjoy the time I have to get ready. For now, I say Nooo I am not ready for a baby…but I am getting there!

Do you talk to the baby? Eh, not really. I rub “him”, but I think once he starts kicking, I’ll feel a lot more connected and everything will feel a lot more real. Than I’ll talk to him until the sun goes down and rises in the morning.

Do you still feel attractive? I always thought that I would embrace pregnancy and have a glow to me that was apparent to everyone. Not really the case though. I do have days where I feel cute and I have days when I feel like I got run over by a train. It just depends on my mood. This week I got all dressed up and took pictures JUST to remind myself I’m a mother now yes, but I’m still me and It’s important to feel worthy and feel good about yourself. I hope I’ll be “glowing” one day soon

18 weeks!

About me & baby this week!!

How far along: exactly 18 weeks, which means 5 months! i really really really can't believe I was nearly three months before I found out I was pregnant. This has been going so fast, and i know it'll be over before I know it, but 5 months is just about half way. Still deathly afraid of LABOR!

Total Weight Gain: I've gained about 14 pounds. I talked to my doctor about working out because I really don't want to go over the healthy 20 lb pregnancy weight gain goal! and that is approaching fast, so I've started doing more activity like taking walks instead of driving to places like the gas station... I'm going to start the actual gym process this week too!

Maternity Clothes: They are my fav. I've been rocking yoga pants mostly this week, except we had a few special occasions this week and I thanked the lord for the lovely maternity jeans I have. Have i mentioned I like my maternity jeans better than real jeans? they are adorable haha

Sleep: lets not talk about this haha. So i just had to stop sleeping on my tummy, it's too uncomfortable and more importantly it's getting big so I dont want to squish the baby...but this leaves me really uncomfortable just because I'm not used to it. I hope it goes away..but since I literally just stopped like three nights ago, I'm exhausted.

Miss anything: I really wanted a red-bull today! soooooo bad

Movement: he's seriously making me anxious. My doctor said it should be happening any day, but I hate waiting. I just want him to start moving right now....I've been making myself crazy anticipating what it will feel like. I think it's going to either be really painful or like a roller-coaster stomache-feeling. People describe the whole 'butterfly sensation' but I can't picture butterflies fluttering away in my stomach so for now this is what I'm thinking. Hopefully he starts kicking .... tonight :)

Food Cravings: nothing really! I started getting a sore throat, and have had ice-cream like 3x this week because it felt really good hahha.

Any new habits: nooooo. Jeffrey and I have really been spending every day, every minute together and I love it! As soon as I come in, I set my things down and we just sit on the couch for hours talking and stuff with no TV/phone/annoying things. It's the best times! And he started talking to the baby alot. *personally I think he started talking to my belly so much because I told him the baby can hear me now...and he doesn't want to be secluded so he's trying his hardest haha.

Things making you sick: No. Im doing pretty good here, can't think of anything! I have been getting really irritated with my skin itching, so lotion is on the night-stand now.

Starting to show yet: yes. I really love my picture this week. it's a big ol belly..or at least to me haha! tonight I was like telling Jeff how crazy it is I'm pregnant. I was like "it's just weird now that I have this belly. like I'm Pregnant?! it never gets old." and he's like " I think you've said that every night this week" hahaha.

Gender prediction: we have our little baby boy! :)

Best moment this week: This week we had a doctors checkup. She told me to start looking out for some baby kicks, so I've been stopping mid-sentence in a conversation if I feel anything going on in my belly. For the most part, I think he isn't kicking yet. He had his foot out the other day, and I could feel that. It was cute & just poking out for a couple hours..but nothing since than. I've had a crazy case of acne during this pregnancy, so I just bought Centaphil which is an amazing acne wash- i recommend this to everyone!! Better than proactive definitely. My dad bought me a bassinet...to help us stress less about SIDS. Most people don't like bassinets because children grow out of them so fast, but if thats 5 months I can sleep better knowing my child is right next to me, than I'll pay whatever. No stretchmarks so far! I'm pretty confident I'll be getting some though because my mother had them, and my skin is itching like a mad-men, but I'm not going to stress over what I can't control. Other than that, I've been really happy! and wouldn't change a thing!! I feel SO blessed to be so comfortable in my own skin, to have a family that is so fun and loves me so much, to be so fortunate and do great things like baby shop & arts&crafts, and to cherish all the moments-both good&bad.

hope everyone is doing great :) !

17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks :)

Total Weight Gain: it's at about 11 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: a whole new wardrobe! It feels so great. I have like 4 pairs of work pants/ yoga pants/ jeans/ and a bunch of cardigans +tank tops. I also bought a really pretty dress that looks great in pregnancy pictures. I only spent about $100 buying it all at this amazing little store on the beach in San Diego called "The Closet", they aren't maternity clothes, but they had endless cardigans & amazing clothes for $5. Needless to say I scored big time in that store and am so happy with the new clothes i have.

Sleep: I had to stop sleeping on my tummy because I'm too big. I sleep perfectly fine, i'm just trying to find a comfortable position I'll enjoy just as much as I did sleepin on my tummy.

Miss anything: I love being pregnant! :) it's been 5 months of this new lifestyle and I'm enjoying every bit right now.

Movement: nope nope nope, he's a tease and is making me wait super long! I started getting ligament cramps which hurt like HELL! they start around this time, and it feels like a consistent punching/kicking feeling for a couple seconds, than feels bruised afterwards...it's not pleasant.

Food Cravings: no cravings, Famous Daves is long gone & so is Milk haha.

Any new habits: shopping for my baby! of course

Things making you sick: I've been getting along pretty easy with this, nothing smells to terrible anymore, I think it's second trimester! It really is the best

Starting to show yet: yeppp! I love being big enough for people to feel the belly and how hard it is, mainly Jeffrey. He has this new habit of rubbing my tummy right when we see each other and after we hug, he'll do it when we are like watching a movie or eating dinner..........i love it so much.

Gender prediction: we have our little baby boy! :)

Best moment this week: I went on a vacation with my mom and sister. It was such an amazing get-a-way from work & school & stress. Lately work has been so overwhelming, and catching up on all my schoolwork was killing me so I needed it real bad. Now I'm feeling great. This week Heather and I also talked about moving in together. My lease ends in April (one month) and if I can live with anyone besides Jeff, it's her because I've lived with her my whole life haha. Right now we are just looking up places in our price range. :)

Names: We currently love CONNER the most. I'm pretty sure I refer to the baby as "baby conner" whenever possible. I also love Caiden, but it's not a favorite of Jeffrey's yet. Those are the two strong contestants right now !