My Pregnancy Journal: Week 22

22 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

This week, baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll or papaya. But your little doll (who now has eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even some hair on that little head) is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. They can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body. And as their brain and nerve endings develop, they may reach for their face (or whatever they can reach) just to experiment with their newfound sense of touch.

My Symptoms: Back pain, sometimes my feet swell, and I have felt cramping in my lower abdominal area. 

Maternity clothes?  Yep... and I find myself staying in sweatpants and sweatshirts during the day.

Sleep? I sleep a lot and get up to use the bathroom a lot. It's routine now :P

Best moment last week? Christmas, here in Colorado, with my side of the family!! It was wonderful!

Movement? Baby is always kicking me when I am sitting or lying down. 

Weight Gain: I am at 151 lbs. now.  I've lost 1 pound since last entry.

Cravings: No big cravings, the Christmas feast was very satisfying :)

Food Aversions: Tomato soup, cilantro, spicy things, and spaghetti.

What made me cry this week: Last minute Christmas shopping.

Medical Stuff: Nothing to report. Baby seems healthy because he/she is moving around so much.

Something I am excited about: I am excited to go see The Hobbit with my 4 older sisters sometime this week!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 21

21 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is 10.5 inches and about 12.7 ounces and about the size of a pomegranate — and speaking of pomegranates, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he/she swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so they eat whatever's on your menu — and gets to put those developing taste buds to good use. So go ahead and nosh on those nachos (or crunch those crudités): Your baby may develop a taste for them when he or she is older. 

My Symptoms: Back pain!! My bump has been itching as it stretches my skin. No stretch marks yet... please tell me I didn't just jinx that. Fetal movement... a lot. It's getting more difficult to get out of bed when I need to... I have a certain routine of how to do this without cramping up. My feet swelled up for the first time.

Maternity clothes?  Yep... I try and be as comfortable as possible.

Sleep? I sleep a lot and get up to use the bathroom a lot. It's routine now :P

Best moment last week? We celebrated Christmas with Paul's family and I got flannel sheets! Yes, that made me super duper happy :)

Movement? Lots! Baby can't stay still... which makes me think he/she is healthy.

Weight Gain: I have gained 7 pounds. I am now 152 lbs. and I'll only get heavier.

Cravings: I ate a lot of pomegranates this week (one every day).

Food Aversions: Tomato soup, cilantro, spicy things, and spaghetti.

What made me cry this week: I broke down in tears (after not crying for a while) one night because I was so worried that once we returned to Colorado for Christmas that I wouldn't want to return to Missouri... that's still a fear, but not really anything to cry about :P

Medical Stuff: No medical stuff to report. Next appointment with Doctor is January 11th when we find out the gender (I think it'll be a boy, btw). I get my wisdom teeth removed on the 2nd soooo... that's scary... and will probably be very painful.

Something I am excited about: Being home in Colorado for Christmas and seeing the WHOLE family!!!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 20

20 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is the size of a Banana!

Baby weighs about 10.2 ounces and measures about 6.5 inches.  Baby has got working taste buds and are now gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day -- that's significantly more than before.

My Symptoms: Back pain and some leg cramping. I get hungrier a lot easier now. I sometimes get shortness of breath and feel faint, but that's occasionally. 

Maternity clothes?  Yes, as well as sweatpants and sweatshirts.

Sleep? I sleep a lot and get up to use the bathroom a lot. It's routine now :P

Best moment last week? Scheduling the ultrasound. January 11th!

Movement? Baby is vey active. Paul can feel the baby kicking and every time I lay down or sit for a long time, baby cant stay still.

Weight Gain: I have gained 7 pounds. I am now 152 lbs. and I'll only get heavier.

Cravings: No cravings that I know of this week.

Food Aversions: Tomato soup, cilantro, spicy things, and spaghetti.

What made me cry this week: I haven't cried in a long time... yikes.

Medical Stuff: Baby is healthy and has a heart rate of 140-143/bpm. We have scheduled the ultrasound and are so excited for the news!

Something I am excited about: Friday!! That is when I will be packing and getting all set to go to Colorado for Christmas! Lots of pictures will be taken! :)

My Pregnancy Journal: 19 Weeks

19 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is at about 6.0 inches long and weighing in at about 8.5 ounces! The baby is developing a protective coating over the skin, called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white. Baby is working on their five senses. Nerve cells for their sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in their brain.

My Symptoms: I'm experiencing some aches and pains in my abdomen because of the stretching, I'm a lot more hungry, and I have experienced a lot more back aches.

Maternity clothes?  Oh yes!! Jeans suck for now.

Sleep? I sleep a lot.. I even have time for naps this month because I'm not working until January. It's difficult going back to sleep at night after waking up, but I have time for that which makes me even more relaxed.

Best moment last week? Every day this week I've been able to be home cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and being a stay-at-home wife. These past few days have been the best this week!

Movement? I feel baby basically every time I'm lying down or sitting.

Weight Gain: For all I know, I am gaining a little bit each week. Last time I checked, I was 145 lbs.

Cravings: I've taken a fancy to chocolate milk. Milk with hershey's chocolate syrup mixed in. Love this stuff!

Food Aversions: Tomato soup, cilantro, spicy things, and I'm starting to not be a fan of spaghetti.

What made me cry this week: I don't know if I did cry this week...?

Medical Stuff: Since we are switching insurance providers, we won't be getting an ultrasound until January... which means we won't find out the sex until I am about 24 weeks. I have a check-up next Monday, though, so we will see that the baby is healthy and strong :D

Something I am excited about: Christmas!!! I'm probably annoying everyone in my family because I am so so so excited to be going home to all the decorations and to my family. 

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 18

18 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

He is she is about 5.6 inches long and about 6.7 ounces now and keeps on growing rapidly. (That's why you're probably feeling so hungry.) Baby now may be large enough for you to feel them twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching their way around the womb. Plus, they're developing yawning and hiccuping skills (you may feel those soon, too!) and their own unique set of toe and fingerprints.

Baby's the size of a sweet potato!

My Symptoms: I'm having some trouble getting back to sleep at night after waking up. Cramping happens a little more now.

Maternity clothes?  Yes, I am rarely wearing regular clothes and if I do, it's big t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants so the maternity clothes are in full swing.

Sleep? I get at least 9 hours of sleep every night. Sometimes I get to nap and sometimes just laying down helps with the tiredness.

Best moment last week? Thanksgiving and Paul's grandmother's cooking. That italian family really goes all out for this holiday... it was delicious!! 

Movement? LOTS!!! It used to not be this much kicking but I feel baby every time I am extremely relaxed... sometimes when I'm sitting up and sometimes when I am lying down. However, I had yet to feel baby when I am standing or walking.

Weight Gain: For all I know, I am gaining a little bit each week. Last time I checked, I was 145 lbs.

Cravings: Not really. I am eating a lot of eggs and toast.

Food Aversions: Tomato soup, cilantro, spicy things.

What made me cry this week: So many emotions an hormonal outbreaks... I think Paul is being extremely patient with me and I am so lucky to have him.

Medical Stuff: My next appointment is December 10th and that is hopefully when we get an ultrasound. That will be the time we find out if little baby is a little Paul or a little Mary :)

Something I am excited about: December 22nd, when Paul and I go to Colorado and cut down a Christmas tree and decorate it at my parent's house with some of my sisters and my brother :) We shall have cookies, hot cocoa, a fire in the fireplace, Christmas movies, wrapped presents, yummy home cooked meals, and more!! (etc.) SOOOO EXCITED!!!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 17

17 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is about the size of your palm, weighs about five ounces, and is developing some body fat (join the club, baby!). Their heart is now regulated by their brain (no more random beats) to beat 140 to 150 times per minute — about twice as fast as yours! What else is up? They're practicing the survival skills they'll need at birth — like sucking and swallowing.

My Symptoms: Tired. Tired. And more tired. I have heartburn at night and I am getting some dizzy spells. Also, back pains are starting to get bad. I know this is nothing to what I'll be experiencing later so I'm trying not to complain too much ;)

Maternity clothes?  Yes, I am rarely wearing regular clothes and if I do, it's big t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweatpants so the maternity clothes are in full swing.

Sleep? I try and sleep as much as I can. It's beginning to get difficult going back to sleep at night after waking up to use the bathroom. I find myself sleeping on my back a lot and I'm hoping I get into the habit of sleeping on my side real soon before it's a huge adjustment with the growing belly. 

Best moment last week? My brother, Tim, and one of my best friends, Kelly, came to visit for the weekend and it was a very good visit. They even cooked us dinner one night. Paul was happy to have someone to watch football with in the living room and I was thankful to have someone to watch chic-flicks with me in the other room. All in all, it was a very lovely visit and I will get to see both of them at Christmas time :)

Movement? I felt the first kick of baby this past Monday night. It felt so weird and at first I wanted it to stop because it was a little uncomfortable. Now all I want to do is feel the baby kicking.

Weight Gain: Since last doctor's visit, I'm not so sure. I did weigh myself after the turkey dinner today and I'm at 149 lbs. So I guess I've gained 4 lbs. since my last visit. Although, I weighed myself this morning and I was back to 143... so I gained 7 lbs. in the span of 6 hrs... lovely.

Cravings: No cravings... food sensitivity (smells, tastes, and textures are heightened)

Food Aversions: I found out from the dinner Kelly and Tim cooked that I despise cilantro. I felt so bad not eating the main dish (chicken marinated in a mix with lots of cilantro). They did cook cheesy potatoes and salad with avocados so that was yummy!

What made me cry this week:I have been having trouble with one of my wisdom teeth as well as my stomach so I stayed home from work Monday and Tuesday to go to the dentist and just stay in bed. I cried from the pains, but that's really all that's made me cry this week. Homesickness is another thing, but I have done everything in my power not to cry so I think I'm doing well with this :)

Medical Stuff: I am getting my wisdom teeth (all four) out on January 2nd. In the meantime, I will be on antibiotics because of an infection I got on my bottom right wisdom tooth.

 
Something I am excited about: Even though today is still Thanksgiving, I am so so so excited about Christmas!! I am excited about the music, the decorations, and the whole 'feel' of the holiday. I am still so excited about going home to Colorado and I know I'm going to hate leaving when the time comes. It's just so exciting when the whole family (and it's a big family) is there and we have such a good time :)

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 16

16 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

 

Baby is about the size of an avacado this week. He/she is about 4.6 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounces.  The bones that are now in place in their ears means they can probably hear your voice as you talk to your partner and pals and sing in the car. While they're getting used to your voice, the tiny muscles in their body, especially the ones in their back, are gaining strength, so they can straighten out a little more. And thanks to their developing facial muscles, baby is capable of making a few expressive frowns and squints, even at this early stage. And their eyes are finally working, making small side-to-side movements and perceiving light (although the eyelids are still sealed).

My Symptoms: Tired (when will this pass?!). I get hungry again after eating less than an hour before. My back has been aching a bit but it hasn't been too uncomfortable. Growing belly (duh) and emotional outbreaks... I forget I am pregnant sometimes and begin to plan a weight loss routine in my mind because I look and feel so unlike what I'm used to.

Maternity clothes?  Yep! It may be time to go shopping for new pants. I am no longer a size 4 or 6 anymore :'(

Sleep? I sleep a LOT! Poor Paul. When he gets home from work, it's dinner time and then off to bed with me. He's so understanding with all of this, it's wonderful.

Best moment last week? Paul's mom, dad, and sister stopped by for a few hours to visit us last Sunday. They took us to CiCi's Pizza for lunch and then hung out at our apartment for half an hour or so before returning to Saint Louis. It was nice to have company over (especially since we usually don't host a lot).

Movement? Baby has been moving a lot. When the doctor felt around for the heartbeat, she would find it and then lose it again because baby was so active. I haven't felt the fluttering feeling all that much, unless I have just gotten used to it and don't notice anymore.

Weight Gain: Last Friday was the start of week 16. When I weighed in, I cam to 145 lbs. Before I was 143, so a total of 2  pounds gained.

Cravings:  No real cravings. I was having a down night one night so Paul took me to DQ and I got an oreo cookie blizzard. Other than that, no real craving... YET! :)

Food Aversions:  None really. I don't like spicy spaghetti sauce. I still don't like tomato soup.

What made me cry this week: Teeny tiny annoyances... like Paul not washing a pot or not emptying the dishwasher. Silly silly... and he totally goes along with it apologizing and comforting me (lol, goodness that sounds so stupid)

Medical Stuff:  I had an appointment last Friday and all is well. Next month's appointment will entail an ultrasound (we found out if baby is a 'he' or 'she')!!! How exciting!

Something I am excited about: Tomorrow, one of my best friends (Kelly Ann) is coming into town... with my older brother (Tim)! Paul and I are so excited!!! We will have a wonderful weekend of relaxation, movies, games, food, alcohol, and my virgin shirley temples :)

I'm counting down the days until we leave to go to Colorado for Christmas!!! We leave Saint Louis at 6am on the 22nd of December :) EXCITING!!!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 15

15 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is about the size of an orange this week, their ears have migrated to the sides of their head, and their eyes are moving to the front of theri face. Plus, the little smarty-pants can now wiggle their fingers and toes and make breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb.  

My Symptoms: I'm still extremely tired and find myself in bed at 8pm every night. I read for an hour or so, but I just have to have the comfort of my bed to get relaxed. 

Maternity clothes?  Loose long shirts still. The time has come when buttoning my jeans cannot be achieved. I use hairties to secure them now. My sister also sent me a band for a sort of covering and holding together of the pants, which will be very handy in the next few months. I have a white one and a beige colored one so I'm prepared!

Sleep? Even though I wake up throughout the night  to use the bathroom, I get about 9 hrs a night, which is wonderful (but I'm still tired!) 

Best moment last week? We had a much needed relaxing weekend at home. I was able to take a nap on Saturday. We went to confession and mass on Saturday night. Then all Sunday I was able to get the laundry done and folded. It was just so nice to have that.

Movement? I still feel the fluttering/ butterfly feeling, but not as much (or I've just gotten used to that feeling).  

Weight Gain: I'm not keeping track every week, so I have no clue. My next docto'rs appointment is on Friday so we shall see then. Last weigh in, I was at 143 lbs.

Cravings:  I still have a soft spot for french fries or hashbrowns. I haven't had any in a couple of weeks. I haven't been wanting dinner, but I've made myself 2 fried eggs for the past few nights and that seems to satisfy me.

Food Aversions:  Anything I make seems to not agree with my stomach or sense of smell. It seems like a good idea when I'm making it, like chicken parmesan, but then I cannot eat it. I think this whole cooking dinner thing is a turn off for my stomach. Odd.

What made me cry this week: Frustrations and worries about some upcoming events.

Medical Stuff:  My next appointment is on Friday so that update will be with my week 16 journal.

Something I am excited about: Still excited for Christmas!!!! My brother and his girlfriend are coming to visit next weekend. That's a funny story because his girlfriend happens to be one of my best friends from college and they both were in the wedding and that's how they met. Crazy but so so cool. Also, my temporary job ends in the next few weeks and I am ready to try and experience something new. Lot's of happenings! :)

My wonderful brother, Tim, and his beautiful girlfriend, Kelly Ann. She's been in a few pictures in My Little Life. They are so great! :)

My Pregnancy Journal (Starting at 14 Weeks)

14 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:Now the size of your clenched fist or a lemon, the baby is more fluid-like in their movements, so they are no longer doing the jerk every time they reposition their arms and legs. Other developments this week include a roof of their own (inside their mouth, that is) as well as intestinal activity: Their intestines are producing meconium (which is the waste that will make up their first bowel movement after birth). They are also sporting a downy coating of hair (lanugo) that keeps them nice and warm.

My Symptoms: Complete and utter exhaustion, a sensistive stomach, and some spirts of nausea in there.

Maternity clothes?  Loose long shirts. I want to hide my belly for now because it's in the in-between weird stage of not looking pregnant and looking pregnant.

Sleep?  I always want sleep!!! I come home from work, cook dinner (or watch Paul cook dinner), do some stuff online, then head to bed. 9:00pm- 6:25am

Best moment last week? A fluttering feeling during work. Weirdest thing ever and after texting my oldest sister, she said it was... BABY!

Movement?  That weird fluttering so far. On and off (some days yes, some days no)

Weight Gain: . Started at 140 lbs and now I'm 143 lbs. (+3)

Cravings:  So far I've craved avacados, homemade hamburgers, french fries (hashbrowns did the trick), cream cheese, and ham and cheese sandwiches. 

Food Aversions:  Tomato Soup.. oh my goodness, I hate the smell and just thinking about it. I used to love it with grilled cheese.

What made me cry this week: Homesickness, some work related stuff, and the arrival and departure of my parents visiting from Colorado. 

Medical Stuff:  Everything looks healthy. The baby has a heart rate of 150.

Something I am excited about: CHRISTMAS!!!! My amazing parents came in this weekend and it's made me so much more excited (if that's at all possible) for Christmas to come and for us to be out there with the whole family! This will involve lots of laughs, cookies, alcohol (not for me, don't worry), memories, and all around fun! YAY! But before that, we will be finding out the gender of this little Loodle! :D

This is the Start.

This is a start to a long journey. I've been doing a lot of searching and browsing online and I've come to the realization that everyone is so different.  How general of me. What I mean is that every single blogger has a different template, a different description, and a different way to go about meeting some sort of goal they have. Some blog about their spiritual lives, some blog about new adventures in different geographic places with different people, some blog about their emotional and physical journeys, and some just blog about ideas for redecorating houses. No matter what type of blog it is, and there are way more blogs than you could ever dream (do not mind my narrow minded list), there is always one blog that will be different from anyone else's; and that blog is your own. So I want to tell you that this is my own blog. My own ideas, my own journey, and my own goal. So, this really is the start of a long journey. And I hope you can come along with me for it is now beginning :D

O Great Saint Gerard, 

beloved servant of Jesus Christ, 

perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted Child of the Mother of God: 

enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. 

O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, 

like your Divine master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, 

you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. 

Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, 

and shield the child which I now carry,

 that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.