14 weeks (:

So, usually 13 is an unlucky number. For me... it's unlucky week 14. 

Let's start with baby information and then we'll talk about why this week has been unlucky...

So the baby is now about 3 and a half inches long (the size of a lemon) and weighs about an ounce and a half. The baby can squint, grimace, and frown. The baby's kidneys are now working and producing urine that he/she releases into the amniotic fluid. The baby can also now suck his/her thumb. The baby's body is now growing faster than his/her head, and the neck is more distinguished. The baby is starting to grow a fine layer of hair, and his/her liver is starting to produce bile this week. His/her spleen is also starting to produce red blood cells. 

So now, why is this week not so lucky for me?

Well where should I start? So yesterday (first day of week 14) I went to the gas station across the street from my apartment. On my way back I was carrying a bag with a bottle of snapple, a quart of chocolate milk, and two gatorades in it. I was going up a cement set of steps, and me and my clumsy self fell up the stairs. I landed on my hip, the bottle of snapple shattered, and my phone screen cracked all over.

Also starting yesterday, every time I tried to take a full breath in I started coughing. I had been having some issues with catching my breath, but I thought it was probably just because as a pregnant woman's uterus grows it presses on their diaphragm. Over the course of the day, it just got worse. I was having aches all over my body, my head hurt, I was cold and shaking, I had no appetite.. so about 6:00 this morning I decided to go to the emergency room. I was told that being pregnant I was more susceptible to pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in my lungs) and that they were going to run a blood test to see if it was a possibility. The blood test came back showing it was, and after that I had no choice but to have a CT scan with contrast done. The CT scan and contrast put myself, and the baby at risk of radiation. This can cause birth defects, but if I did have blood clots and they went untreated I could die. They did the CT scan, and luckily there were no clots. I do, however, have walking pneumonia.

On the bright-side:

The ER did an ultrasound of the baby today, and everything looked fabulous. The baby's heart rate was 161, and he/she was moving his/her little arms and legs all over the place.

That's a picture of the baby from today. I'm 14 weeks and 1 day.

I have a follow up appointment on Thursday, but for the next 3 days I'm pretty much on bed-rest. So, keep me entertained. (:

Have a great day.

Okay, so one more week.

Welp, I was thinking and technically this is the last week of my first trimester. Each trimester is 13 weeks, but I wasn't counting the 13th week. DUH. So one more time, here's to the end of chapter 1. (:

So, what's going on with baby this week?

Not a whole lot, to be honest.

The baby is now the length of a pea pod, so about about three inches long and weighs almost an ounce. The baby's skin is still translucent and its veins and organs are easily seen through it.  The baby now has fingerprints on each of its tiny fingers. The baby's body is also starting to grow to proportion with its head. Its head used to be 1/2 of it's body length and is now only 1/3. If we are having a girl (fingers crossed), the baby's eggs have been formed and rest in her itty-bitty ovaries. Cool huh?

But I think by far, the best news this week: My risk of miscarriage is much, much lower after this week and maybe, just maybe, that will settle my nerves a bit. (:

So, I do have one more thing I'd like to say before I disembark for the day (sorry these have been so short lately). 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! 

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Aaron, this one's for you!

Okay, so I planned on posting this as a status, but I realized it would be way too long, and people would probably get annoyed... So I decided a blog post was better.

Aaron,

So the other night, you asked me why I loved you. So first I want recap the book I gave you on Valentine's day.

20 Reasons Why I Love You

1: You treat me like a princess
2: You're an amazing dad.
3: Pizza nights.
4: You're a my nerd.
5: Your eyes sparkle when you're happy.

6: Your kisses.
7: You like my glasses, and my smile. Two things I hate.
8: You "sit through" my shows.
9: You're an adorable pirate.

10: You save me from all the bad guys.
11: Snuggle time.
12: Your hugs.
13: You got me ADDICTED to Family Guy.
14: You get me flowers... Just because.
15: You let me be a little kid.
16: You make me laugh.
17: You're content as long as we're together... even if that means browsing the toys at Wal*Mart.
18: Starbucks Bathroom...
19: You know when to shut up.
20: You're absolutely GORGEOUS. (Even though it doesn't matter, it's a bonus).

But those aren't the only reasons, and based on what I've realized they seem kind of small. Blame it on the hormones, but I've been thinking a lot lately, mostly about you, and the answer to that question. And even though the question was about why I love you, my thoughts all come as thank you's.

So first off. Before you came along, I got jealous of other girls. I always wanted to be like them. I never really felt pretty, but then you came around. And I felt more than pretty, I feel beautiful. And it's a great feeling. 

Next, you've honestly made my dreams come true. Every girl dreams of that one guy, that guy that completes her, makes her feel whole. And when I found you, I found that guy. Yeah, sometimes you get on my nerves, but whenever you're around I feel whole.

Continuing with my dreams coming true. As you know, I've dreamed since I was little to have babies. Yes, when we got together I gained children, but we've discussed why this is different. And you took it upon yourself to make my dream come true. When the doctor told us that it would be extremely difficult, you were the one that kept my chin up. You were strong for me, and that means a lot. The night I broke down, you wrapped me in your arms and made me see the positives. 

I wanted to live on my own, and even though you hated this place, you allowed it. Now that it's turned into a hell hole, I realize you were right, but you did it FOR ME, and that's what matters. 

There are plenty more reasons, but those will come later.

Aaron, I love you to death. Don't ever forget that. <3 

The end of chapter 1...

That's right...

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF MY FIRST TRIMESTER!

Alrighty, so Sunday started my 12th week of pregnancy. So, what's going on with Baby this week?

Baby's biggest development has to do with his/her reflexes. Soon he/she will be able to curl his/her fingers, his/her toes will curl, the eye muscles will clench, and the baby will begin sucking. The baby now responds to touch, and moves at the sensation, even if I can't feel it yet. The baby's kidneys will start working. 

The baby looks more human now, especially in the face. His/Her eyes have moved to the front of the face, and the baby's ears are right where they are supposed to be. Nerve cells and synapses are rapidly forming in the baby's brain.

The baby is now just over 2 inches long. That means the baby is about the size of a lime. The baby now weighs half an ounce.

 

There isn't a whole lot left to say. But I have another appointment on the 2nd, and hopefully will get to hear the baby's heartbeat. 

(:

Have a great day.

"Enjoy the little things..."

"... because one day you may look back and realize they were the BIG things."

So, today marks TWO milestones:

First: My fiance and I have been together for 11 months today.
Second: I'm 11 weeks along.. today.

11 is a pretty big number for us, apparently.

So yeah, 11 weeks.

The baby is a little over an inch and a half long, and the size of a fig. I was a little confused, because I had no idea what a fig was, so for anyone else who is confused I hope this picture clears it up.

Yeah, a fig is a little bit larger than I thought, but that's it. So anyways, back to the baby. The baby is almost formed, and can now (or very, very shortly will be able to) open and close her/his fist. The baby has tooth buds forming in her/his gums, and some of the baby's bones are hardening. The baby is still moving like crazy, but I won't be able to feel it for a month or two. The baby also hiccups now. 

My fiance and I also have a bit more news. We decided that it was going to be best for us, and for our family, if we moved back to my parents' house. That nearly kills me, because I want nothing more than to be independent. His work schedule is crazy though, and we're down to one car. So it helps on a lot of levels.

I'm going to start packing now, and slowly take stuff to my parents' house. I think they are excited, because it means they'll be closer to their grand-baby. I just hope everything works out.

So anyways, any words of encouragement, would be lovely. I'm off though. Love you guys.

-Auni and Baby.

This may be crazy, and a little irrational, but... my hormones made me.

"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." -Yoda

Haha, I know. You all were probably thinking this was going to be about some crazy shenanigan, but it's not. It's about fear, fears that I've had recently, that are probably completely irrational.. but they come anyways. Some people (mostly other women) understand completely. Guys, though, have a hard time seeing it from a female perspective. But, before I get into that, I want to give you a little note from my doctor. This is mostly for any women that are pregnant and reading this.

So my hormones have been causing me to break out like crazy. I've struggled with acne issues since I was 13, but it's gotten even worse sense I got pregnant. I found a product that was working, but after doing some research on babycenter.com, I found that I couldn't use that product anymore because it contained Salicylic acid. It was said that Salicylic Acid was bad for the baby. 

THAT IS NOT TRUE!

My doctor recommended that I try Head and Shoulders (the original). She said that usually helps. But if it didn't, I could still use the product I had been using before. 

Her recommendation: Use it only once a day (unless you can use it less) and do not use it all over your body. 

Then I asked her about IcyHot, or any product with menthol. I read on babycenter (in a blog) that someone's doctor had said menthol (if used on the skin) would enter her bloodstream and harm the baby. My doctor said there were no studies done that proved this was true, and also said that it HAS BEEN FOUND that topical creams don't usually harm a fetus. She did say, that as with any other medication, these creams should be used in moderation, but it wouldn't hurt.

Just another tidbit of information:
-calf cramps during pregnancy could be related to magnesium deficiencies.

OKAY SO ONTO THE MAIN TOPIC

My crazy, irrational fears.

I just want to say right now, that I'm one lucky lady. Though my pregnancy wasn't necessarily "planned" my fiance and I had decided that we wanted kids together, and he has been nothing but supportive since we found out. 

But other women, they aren't that lucky. There are some men, who won't take responsibility for their actions, who want to believe no matter what that the baby a woman is carrying isn't theirs. They miss out on the first time hearing the heartbeat, on seeing the baby for the first time, of hearing the sex... And they just don't care. And it drives me insane, that someone could act like that...

But like I said.. I don't have to go through that. It just seems lately, that I fear that I'm going to lose people, more often than not. And that fear, is completely irrational, as the people have given no hint that they are even going anywhere.

For example: The other night I was driving home from my parents house. My fiance's gift had come in the mail (delivered to their house) and I had to pick it up. I Drive Your Truck by Lee Brice came on, and all I could think about was 'I don't know where I'd be with my dad.' And I cried, like broke down in sobs. My dad might be getting older, but he's still extremely healthy and I truly feel like the fear was irrational. But it was there. And yeah, I know, everyone has those moments... but I'm pretty sure my hormones kicked into gear because it takes a lot for me to drive down the street and randomly start sobbing.

So honey, if you were wondering... that's why I made you open your gift early. I needed to see your smile, and to have someone extremely happy, just to help brighten my mood.

I've also had a lot of nights where I worry about my fiance leaving me. He's never given any hint of being unhappy, but still.. I worry. Last night, I was watching Glee and they sang Beth by KISS... and I cried. Not sure why, but I did. I missed him, I wanted him home, and he had to work overnight. Like I told him... it's going to be a long week if I'm already crying, and he's only on day 2 of his 7 day (12-16 hours a day) work week. 

Some of my fears aren't irrational though. But it still seems like some people don't understand them. I think the biggest fear comes for the health of my baby, and it's just amplified by everything I went through at the beginning of the pregnancy. I found out at the doctor that I wouldn't be able to receive another ultrasound until I'm 22 weeks along, and my last one.. I was only a little over 6 weeks. I was 10 weeks at the doctor's appointment and they tried to hear the heartbeat. They said it was early, and not to freak out.. but when you hear nothing, it's hard not to. I just feel as if I have no way of knowing if the baby is okay, and it petrifies me. I don't go back until January. I'll be 14 weeks along, almost 15. They said I'd be able to hear the heartbeat then. So I guess, all I can do is cross my fingers and hope for the best.

But anyways: I didn't get the message across that I really wanted to, but that's because I realized that I couldn't without displaying someone's personal information and I don't want to do that. So, hope the blog was satisfying. 

I do have one more thing to say:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE MY BEST FRIENDS STEPHANIE AND HER BOY LANCE.



Baby Joshua is absolutely gorgeous!

10 Weeks Down, 30 Weeks To Go.

That's right, as of yesterday I'm 10 weeks along! In a way, it seems like time is just flying by, but at the same time, it seems like it's taking forever.

Baby Update

The baby is now the size of a kumquat. That means, the baby is a little over an 1 and 14 inches long and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce. The baby has finished this most critical portion of development, and is officially in the fetal-period. During this period the baby will grow rapidly and organs will mature.

The baby's vital organs (kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver) are in place, and will continue to mature throughout the rest of the pregnancy. The liver has started producing red blood cells in the baby, and the yolk sac is disappearing. The baby's limbs can now bend, and the baby is starting to kick, even though I can't feel it yet. The baby's spine is visible through the skin, and spinal nerves are forming. The baby's nails are starting to form, and the baby's fingers are no longer webbed. Also, the baby's body hair is starting to grow.

The baby is estimated to be about twice as big in the next couple weeks.



Now:
Onto the fun stuffs.

THANKSGIVING! AND BLACK FRIDAY!

I hope everyone had wonderful holidays! I sure did! Thanksgiving was fabulous. My fiance and I went to my parent's house. My mom and dad made everything we needed for a great meal. Then, after we ate, we went shopping. My fiance, my dad, and I went to WalMart, while my mom stood in line outside of Target. At Walmart we got: a TV (they would only allow 1 per customer because they were hot ticket items), a huge monster truck for my nephew, a travel system for baby, and I got my mom something for Christmas. I honestly have to say I was impressed with WalMart this year. There were three things that really stood out:

1: WalMart had hired in security. Now I know, it's not very often that anything crazy happens at Black Friday events in this area, but it made me feel better to know that IF anything happened they had people there. 
2: They gave out wristbands. So, for example, for the TV we got. The sale started at 6, but at 4:00 if you were there early you could go to where the 'station' was and pick up a wristband. That allocated your TV. 
3: This one ties into 2, and the only way I can explain it is if I do it together. So at 6:00, my fiance and I grabbed the stroller we needed and headed to the TV line (I already had my wristband). Now to further explain what that wristband did. They gave out 132 wristbands, but they had a 1 hour guarantee on the TVs as well. If you had gotten a wristband, you were guaranteed a product THAT NIGHT. If you didn't, and you were there between 6:00 and 7:00 they gave you an online slip. You paid that night and then entered the code online and they'd send you your product. So even if you weren't there, you got the product at a great price. I thought that was pretty cool.

The longest process was the check out process, but that wasn't even that terribly long. After we finished at Walmart we had to go home, because we had nowhere to put anything in the car. We went home, unloaded the car, and headed back out to Target. After 7:00 (doors opened at 8:00), they weren't letting anyone to the front of the line. My father, fiance, and I had to wait at the end of the line, but we met my mom inside. She was one of the first 40 people in and received a ticket. We ended up getting a 50" TV (my Christmas gift). But that was all we got that night, well that and coffee. We also went to Michael's, but because they opened at 6:00 and we didn't get there until about 10:00 it was pretty quiet. I got all of the stuff I needed to make baby shower invitations (50 of them) for under $20. I was stoked. 

AGAIN: IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN INVITE AND/OR AN ANNOUNCEMENT PLEASE MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK, OR TEXT ME.

Then Friday it was just my parents and I. My fiance isn't one for big crowds, and he woke up Friday sick (poor baby). My parents and I went to Gordman's, then we went back to Target. I didn't do so bad at Target. I got another gift for my mom, the movie my uncle wanted, a movie for myself, and the rest of our boys' Christmas gifts. I also got us Phase 10, because I keep telling my fiance we have to play! After Target we went to lunch, which ended up being really fun. STORY TIME:

About a month and a half ago (maybe longer), my fiance and I went to Fazoli's. For those of you who don't: it's like... 'fast-food, Italian' but they've really cleaned it up and it's more of a sit-down restaurant now. There was this man there (one of the managers) and he was changing light bulbs. I was sitting in the booth, shaking because it was cold in the restaurant, and he noticed. He said, "I think I'm gonna turn the heat up, it's kinda chilly in here." And I said, "It's freezing in here." So he turned the heat up for me. Then we had a conversation, and he was just an overall nice guy. 

So Friday when my parents and I went to Fazoli's, we walked in and the General Manager was running the register. I said, "Oh, hey I get to meet another manager." The manager asked me who I had met before, and I regrettably realized I had never caught his name. I said, "I don't want to sound rude, but he's a big, hulking, black man." (If you ever meet him, you'll realize my description hits the nail right on the head). The GM said, "Oh, Phil. That's my boss." Phil came up, and showed he really cared about his customer. He remembered what I ordered all that time ago, what shirt I was wearing, how he turned the heat up for me. And he was, again, really polite. Our whole experience at Fazoli's that day was fabulous! 

So, thank you Moline Fazoli's! I haven't had a bad experience there in a long, long, long time!

So after lunch, we went to Farm N' Fleet. I found those really cool pillows that look like an animal house, then you can pull the animal out and stuff the house in, so it's an animal. They were buy one, get one, and only $5.99. I got each of the boys one. Then we went to Menard's, and I got quite a bit of shopping done there. I got the boys some HotWheels ($2.50 for a 5 pack, that I found elsewhere were $5.00), got my cousin some stuff, and got part of Tammy's gift done. Then we went to this hobby shop. We looked at gas-powered, remote control cars. Then we went to the Festival of Trees. It was pretty nice this year, but it didn't seem to have as many trees as it used to. The coolest part was this little aquarium diorama someone made. They put little, fake fish in it and put Santa hats on them. It was adorable. After that we went the long way home to look at lights. On our way we decided to stop at Toys R Us. I finished Tammy's shopping at Toys R' Us. And I now only have 2.5 people to finish.

BUT BY FAR THE BEST PART OF FRIDAY:

I got my fiance's gift ordered. It was awesome. The gift was on sale, then the site had an extra coupon for Black Friday. Because of all the discounts I got next day shipping, so his gift should be at my parent's house... today! I got the first part of his gift on Wednesday, and I know you're probably just dying to know what it is... But he'll probably read this and he likes to be surprised! Hahah. Just know, that it's killing me. I have 23 days until he gets to see it, and I can't wait!

What else happened since the last time I wrote?
Well, I had to get a new phone. I dropped my phone on Wednesday, and it landed screen-down on tile floor. It got an itty-bitty crack and I figured, oh well, I can handle that. It wasn't really in the way. The next morning I wake up, and the top left corner and bottom right corner are completely black. It looked like a pen exploded, inside my screen. Then by about 1:00 the screen was completely black, like the ink kept expanding. 

But that's really about it.

This wasn't supposed to be a long post, but that's how it ended up. So anyways.
Everyone have a great day! (: Hope you enjoyed.