16 & 17 Weeks!

Now that I am on to week 17, I feel it is time to update on how week 16 went.  Let's start out by mentioning this:

WEEK 16 WAS THE FIRST WEEK THAT I FELT LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN!

...and it felt gooooood!

Week 16 was not very exciting around the Cross household.  In fact, I have no idea what happened that week.  This is either because Pregnancy Brain is like the most legit thing I have ever experienced in my entire life OR we are just super boring.  Although, if you did read my "Things My Baby Already Hates" post then you would know the field trip story... and SHOCKER... we took another field trip.  I held the pee for 2 hours.  Can I get some sort of sticker for that?!

Week 17 popped up andddd so did my belly!  It had been forming for a while but I think passerby's just thought I have been hanging out in the kitchen a little too much.  Things are starting to look like an actual preggo belly!  Hell, I even took a pic!

17 weeks and that Hawaii Oahu candle is amazinggg!

We saw the doctor the other day and pregnancy brain accompanied me again because when Darius asked what this appointment was for, I literally had NO IDEA. I wasn't too happy to find out it was blood work to test for spina bifida.  I like to be prepared for the whole needle thing.  Whatever, that went well and I am truly getting much better - I don't curse anymore, I don't cry and the sweating and shaking is starting to be kept to a minimum.

On a better note - the receptionist informed Darius that it's time for HIM to start tracking the appointments and remembering what they're for because I'm basically useless.  She also told him to step it up in the kitchen and make sure I sleep... which was nice.

I'm just gonna do a combo of week 16 and 17 updates since I'm currently halfway through week 17.

How far along? 17 weeks 4 days

Maternity clothes? OH YEAH! And ALL of the maxi dresses!

Stretch marks? Crossing my fingers this belly, thighs, butt and boobs stays stretch mark free!!!

Sleep: Sleeping horrible. Darius snoring is like literally the worst thing to happen to me.

Best moment(s) this week: We bought a doppler so we listen to the heartbeat almost daily and it makes me so happy each time (doctor approved).  Also - hosting Easter dinner at our house was our first "hosting" event and it was really fun!

Miss Anything? I really would have liked a nice mimosa today! (I am noticing a trend with missing all drinking options).

Movement: Yes!  Started feeling movement at week 16.  I mostly feel it after I pee or when I am laying down.  It isn't regular (which is normal) but it's sooooo cool!

Food cravings: Umm... Rita's.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Still chicken... it's just so so gross and chewy.

Gender: Still thinking a BOY!  Darius is thinking a girl!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Apparently my butt is getting bigger and I'm THRILLED!  Shoutout to Durshaw for confirming this exciting news the other day!  

Also - Extreme thirst, dry mouth, tiredness, moodiness, tender boobs.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On.. although with the warmer, more humid weather, I don't know how much longer.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Totally moody and I totally admit it! SO MOODY!  Literally was belly laughing with Darius the other day and 30 seconds later I was SOBBING!  I had NO clue why!

Looking forward to: We leave for California on Tuesday and we are so excited!  Also, April 12th is gender reveal day!  We can't wait!

Things My Baby Hates Already

Don't think too much into the title.  My baby and I have been getting along pretty well for the most part.  I have forgiven the (now 16) weeks of morning night sickness.  Each time I think that I am seeing a beautiful, shining light filled with glossy hair, glowing face and a perfect little baby bump - I find myself starring into the face of the porcelain God, and in that moment I know it's not over.  So, let's just dive into the things I can tell my baby already hates.

1. When I Eat - which is kind of rude considering that it is essential to life.  I think that baby Cross and I are finally making it and then one night, he/she is just like NOPE NOT THAT and here I am again, at the toilet.  It's really not fun.  Its' actually quite painful.  And now, it ends with tears and sweat and cursing.  Right when I think Buffalo Wild Wings will be okay (complete with an appetizer of fried pickles - because I'm pregnant) I learn that the baby STILL does not like chicken.

2. Field Trips - for all of you non-teachers out there you may be asking yourself: "WTF is she talking about?!"  Well, let me explain to those of you who can enjoy peeing at your leisure and going out to lunch on the reg.  First, let's start with the definition of said "field trips:"

Field Trips - a time when teachers are required to practice their counting skills (route numbers usually 1-25) in order to ensure the safety of all students.  It is a time when we practice only peeing possibly once through the entire day (if you're lucky) as long as you can find a willing and capable adult to also practice counting 1-25 repetitively until your return.  It is also faking enjoyment of said activity until the day is over, maintaining all emotional and mental breakdowns, swatting bees, opening capri-sun packages, and watching twenty 8-9 year old children gulp down the 20 oz. bottle of orange soda their parent decided to provide for lunch that day.

So, apply all of this to being pregnant and you have a: worn out, exhausted, crying, messy bun, has-to-pee, grumpy, overly-anxious pregnant teacher.  

Oh, and the baby HATES the smell of the turkey lunchables, kids.

3. Sleeping - I have heard "get your sleep while you still can!"  Right.  Well, this would be LOVELY if I could.  Between having to pee in the middle of the night (multiple times), having really weird dreams, panicking about the baby at all times and never feeling fully rested - I just don't see this "full-nights-rest" happening anytime soon.  In fact, I think it's a myth and doesn't really exist and I am fully preparing myself to never sleep again - f o r e v e r.

4. Overly Dramatic TV Shows - which end up with me having horrible dreams about Darius cheating on me with this girl I haven't talked to in 10 years.  Or, me crying about something about the baby.  OR - me dreaming that I have a baby and I have no clue what to do with it.

In a nutshell, over the course of 16 weeks and 4 days, these are the things I have determined my baby just does not particularly like.  We (baby and I) are hoping to change things in the near (very soon) future in order to ensure the mental happiness of both mommy and daddy.

15 Weeks

Holymoley!  I know it's been a while.  Life has truly gotten the best of me.  Between work, traveling for work, and napping anytime in between - the blog has definitely been at the bottom of my priority list.  But, I have some great updates for y'all!  So, let's get into it!

After 10 weeks, we had our 12 week genetic screening.  This is an optional test that allows the doctors to check for possible down syndrome or trisomy.  We chose to do this test to become AWARE, not to make a choice  regarding termination.  Also, who doesn't want to see their baby up on that big screen!?  At 8 weeks, our baby was cute... but a blob.  Nothing was going on that was relatively exciting.  I had heard from friends that things drastically change by the 12 weeks appointment.  And boy, THEY WERE RIGHT!  Our baby was first found doing what mama does best.. napping.  With its little hand right over its nose.  This caused the ultrasound tech to have trouble confirming or denying chances of down syndrome.  Apparently, a lack of nose bone is potential for down syndrome.  She had me cough really hard.. over.. and over.. and over.  Nothing.  Now, baby was sleeping like dad.  The world could be collapsing and that little bean was not going to move.  After more coughing, moving, and Darius making me laugh (per usual) baby was awake!  It was INSANE!  Literally flipping, turning, stretching!  Amazing!  After about a wonderful 30 minute ultrasound filled with so many details, our little bean was perfectly healthy and fine!

Fast forward to 14 weeks.  Welcome second trimester!  Does this start at 13 or 14 weeks?!  All (four) of my pregnancy apps tell me something different!  Well, second trimester was not the glorious start for me.  I expected to wake up day of 14 weeks with a glow, luscious hair, a zit free face and no sign of nausea or vomiting in my near future!  Ha.  Yeah.  Right.  The nausea was still streaming in, as well as the vomiting.  My last straw, the moment to put me into tears of all tears, was the night I drank a glass of water and threw up 4 times.  I had no idea what was even coming out.  That put me over the edge.  I BEGGED to go to the hospital.  I just wanted to be taken care of, to sleep in forever, to relax and just have an IV give me everything I needed.  God answered my prayers.   That was the last time I threw up (fingers crossed, knock on wood, say a prayer to the pregnancy Gods...).

Now, here I am.  I MADE IT!  15 weeks has been a glorious start.  15 weeks began with a conference in Texas for work.  I was so worried about feeling sick while I was there and not having Darius to turn to.  Something changed, and I felt wonderful.  My face is clearing up, people say I am starting to get a glow and less people look at my baby bump like it's too much pizza.   I was able to enjoy the trip, eat real food and let me just say I did NOT hold back.  After 14 weeks of picky eating, hardly any eating, and weight LOSS, I had enough.  This mama is doing whatever the hell she wants for the time being!

A 12 week baby Cross!

Now, for the 15 week update!

How far along? 15 weeks 2 days

Maternity clothes? Finally had to buy some! Why in the HELL do we not wear maternity pants all the time?!  No buttons or zippers?! Those suckers just slip right on! WTF!

Stretch marks? None - started using lotion to reassure it stays this way!

Sleep: I have been sleeping so well.  My dreams are a little weird but I haven't been able to remember them as well.

Best moment(s) this week: Finally enjoying FOOD!

Miss Anything? While in Texas it sucked not to be able to have a margarita or a beer or wine or all of the above.

Movement: No - but I'm waiting for it!

Food cravings: Popcorn!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I am still adjusting to chicken and all other types of meat.  It's the one thing that I am steering clear from.  I try to eat it, but then I push it to the side.

Gender: I am back to thinking it's a boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Tired, slight nausea here and there, sore boobs, dry mouth

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On  

Happy or Moody most of the time: I think I am getting to a happier place, especially with feeling better.

Looking forward to: Our trip to California in 2 weeks to visit Darius' family and they are throwing us a little baby shower!  Also, hearing the baby again in 3 weeks and the gender reveal is coming up in April (not a party, just at the doctors)!