Pregnancy Happenings...

I am behind already on blog posts and I just started.  Don't give up on me yet!  I am going to get better at this an make it worth your time to read.

I have been reading a few books, blogs, and websites about being pregnant and what to expect while you are pregnant.  I am learning a lot.  I wanted to share with you a few of my experiences so far during my pregnancy.

Food:
I really have not had any big food cravings.  Weeks six through twelve, I basically lived off of orange juice, clementines, eggs, and saltine crackers.  I also made sure that I had one large glass of milk a day. The foods that made my stomach turn somersaults and possible run the other way was cheese.  During week seven, Dan was so gracious and removed any evidence of cheese in our our house. I couldn't even stand to see it.  He also had fun with the fact that the thought of cheese and just saying the work made me gag.  When I asked him if he ate the last orange or had the last glass of orange juice he would make some type of cheese comment and watch me run to the bathroom or gauge.  Needless to say, I was very protective of my oranges and orange juice.  It was practically the only food I could with stand during those weeks!   

Now that I am at week seventeen, my food choices have expanded. I still enjoy orange juice, clementines, and eggs.  I eat on average around ten eggs a week.  I can eat them morning, noon and night.  Raw meat still smells funny to me but I can now eat it after it is cooked.  Ground hamburger is the worst smell, but taste pretty good.  Also, I still stay away from cheese, but these days Dan can enjoy eating cheese without me running to the porcelain.

Sleep:
If I could go back to the 1st trimester and count the hours that I was awake vs. the hours that I was sleeping, I may be a little embarrassed about how lazy I was.  Some days, I was forcing myself to role out to bed and get ready just to make to work by 8:30.  My lunch breaks consisted of 10 minutes trying to eat and 45 minutes of sleep.  I would leave work by 5:00/5:30 and Dan would find me sleeping on the couch when he got home at 6.  I would try to stay awake for at least an hour.  That way Dan and I could talk about our day, but I would be ready for bed by 8:30. My  new sleeping habit continued for about 5 weeks.  Dan was a trooper during this time.  He fed himself, cleaned the house, and also made sure I was OK all the time.  It is such a blessing to have him in my life and so excited to go through this experience with him.  He is going to be a wonderful dad!  As for sleeping these days, I am currently sleeping pretty well with the exception of waking up around 3:00am 4-5 days of the week.  I typically have to use the bathroom two times during the night, but it is like clock work waking up at 3:00am.  I am wide away and ready to go for the day.  A few mothers I know told me my body is getting me ready for the 3:00 feedings...a little early don't you think!

Clothes:
Nothing to exciting has happened in this area.  I will say that my shopping has gone down extensively because I am unsure of what is going to fit and what will not.  So far at 17 weeks, I am still able to wear my regular clothing and I can still tie my jeans.  I did order a belly band a few weeks ago but have not had to use it yet...I understand this will change.  I purchased one maternity dress from Ann Taylor Loft.  They were having a great sale and I thought it looked pretty cute.  I have also purchased a few items that are not maternity but a size bigger.  I am happy that the style these days is more flowy tops and cute sweaters.  I am also loving my leggings!

Anti-stretch mark routine: 
A.M.:  After a warm shower: bio-oil (vitamin E oil)
P.M.:  Before I go to bed:  Vitamin E lotion
I know a lot of people have used Cocoa/Shea Butter, but during my 1st trimester I couldn't stand the smell of it so I found a different solution.

Typical Phrases Dan hears from me:
"I have to pee"
"My bladder is going to explode"
"I have to pee"
"The baby is hungry"
"I have to pee"
"Can you rub my feet?"
"I have to pee"
"Can you rub my back while I take my prenatal vitamins?"

Overall, I hope that you get a sense of what is happening in my world of being pregnant.  It is such an amazing feeling.  I can't believe the way your body adjusts, forms, and responds to pregnancy.  God truly made the female body so intriguing.  The thought of what is happening inside of me is truly a miracle only God can create and nurture. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.   Psalm 139:13

NOTE:  Pictures for week 17 & 18 ended up getting deleted from the camera.  Look forward to week 19 Pictures....Punta Cana, Dominican!