1/3 of the way!

***I apologize in advance - this is a long post!***

12 Weeks

I am now 12 weeks - the end of the first trimester! EEEK! It seems like it is going by so slow, yet so fast at the same time. At 12 weeks, Peanut weighs approximately half an ounce and is 2 1/2" long. 12 week milestone: Peanut is now able to move his/her fingers, curl his/her toes, clench his/her eye muscles, and brain synapses are forming rapidly. I'm already so proud of my Peanut. ; )

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...Super Dad!

The past few weeks Rusty has been so great. He has been very patient and helpful during my many changing and unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. He searches out things I might like to eat/drink, cooks, cleans, goes to the store/picks up food. One weekend, I was just flat out miserable. I think some of it was preggers symptoms, but I also think I may have caught a bug. I was extremely weak and had intense headaches. On that Sunday, I stayed in bed alllll day, only waking up/getting out of the bed to use the bathroom and get something to eat or drink. I woke up at 8pm to find an empty house. I called Rusty and he was at the grocery store. I had not made a list or discussed dinner plans or anything, so I was wondering what in the world he was going to come home with. I was pleasantly surprised to see my Boo has actually listened to me plan out my shopping list by looking at the weekly sale paper online before I go to the store. Look at what he did...

Buy One Get One Free Items


LOOK AT THAT!! YOU GO BOO! ; )

I was so proud of him, and I think he was pretty proud of himself, too.

Sidenote: I have been loving sour candy lately. I opened my car door for work one morning and someone had placed these heavenly morsels in my front seat. Yep, he's awesome.


Shameless

I have prepared myself for the day that my favorite shirt may be ruined by spit up or poop. I am ready for the days of looking not so glamorous after being up all night with a newborn. However, I didn't realize that I would become shameless this early.

#1. Baby Bump - Although I am only 12 weeks, I am definitely showing. OK, so I am definitely showing in my eyes. I realize for strangers at the mall and the grocery store that I may look like the girl who has let herself go...eaten a few too many doughnuts...whatever. But you know what? I don't care. To some, it may look like I have mysteriously gained weight only in my front stomach area, but I have wanted this pooch for about 2 years now, and I am proud to have it. It may not be a defined, super round baby bump yet, but it is my baby bump and I am not going to hide it with tent style shirts. So there.

#2. Refer back to Super Dad when I talked about being sick. After being in bed all day that Sunday, I still didn't feel good on Monday morning. I woke up and just could not get to feeling well. I tried to slowly get ready and eat tiny amounts of a few different things, hoping that they would agree with me. I thought I had conquered the morning until I got to school. I whipped into the school parking lot and jumped out of my car. As I started to walk across the (what I thought was deserted since the bell was going to ring in 5 minutes) parking lot, I started to gag uncontrollably. I ran across the parking lot to the edge where it is wooded. I puked several times as soon as I got to the grass. *Visual* - Arms full with purse, lunchbox, drink, binder...bent over with eyes watering and everything that I have put in my body the past 2 hours deciding it didn't want to be in there anymore* I didn't even know what to think because it happened so quickly/unexpectedly, but I was relieved that the parking lot was empty and that I didn't embarrass myself in front of anyone. UNTIL I heard a voice VERY close say "It will get better friend. Is there anything I can get for you?" One of our sweet janitors was in the car RIGHT NEXT TO ME with his window rolled down. He was probably enjoying his last few minutes before going into work until it was rudely interrupted by someone sprinting across the parking lot and puking in front of his car. Needless to say, again, I was shameless. He knew I couldn't help it and I could tell he felt terrible. There was nothing either of us could do besides try to forget it happened and go on in to work, so that is what we did. He checked on me again later that day and frequently asks how "we" are feeling. : )

Saturdays in the South

...are often spent on the quad or in front of the TV, especially for my husband. This past Saturday he graciously gave up watching football to come shopping with me. We started the day out by shopping for nursery furniture. We had already been to Buy Buy Baby and Storkland, but I wanted to check out TD's Kids and Baby Furniture. We made the quick trip up to Sumiton and found a girl and a boy set that we both really liked. Then we went to the Galleria where for the next three hours my precious husband followed me from store to store to store to store. I was determined to find some maternity pants just as cute as my regular dress/work pants. If you don't really know me, I am EXTREMELY picky and pretty frugal, so I'm not going to buy something unless I really like it. I have been wearing the same style, cut, and size black pants from Express since I was in high school. Most of my jeans also come from Express. They fit the best and are good quality. After a recommendation from a friend (thanks Hailey!), I went to Gap Maternity first. I was thrilled to find a pair of SUPER cute jeans!!! Whew, what a relief. They didn't have my size in black dress pants, so we tried Macy's and Motherhood Maternity. I wasn't really finding anything that I liked, but I finally bought a pair from MM.

Sleep: Sleeping has not been as great because I have been sick, but it is getting better. Rusty bought me a Mommy Boppy pillow for my birthday and it is my new bff. He gave it to me, I went to "try it out" while he ran to the store, and I woke up 11 hours later. I am having to get up more frequently during the night, but according to one of the 5 articles in my inbox everyday, that should get a little better soon.

Cravings/Aversions: About the same. I am getting to have some milk/cereal every once in a while, but it makes me feel bad sometimes. I usually love Mexican, but the thought of it makes me sick. : ( No more Cocina Superior Girls' Nights for now.

My next appointment is October 4th, and I am so ready to hear Peanut's heartbeat!

Ten Weeks

Non-Routine Appointment:

So let me back up before I technically start the 10 week update. I had been having pain in my left lower back (honestly, more like left upper hiney area) for about two weeks. The pain was worse at night and was very dull. Then last Wednesday, the pain became much more intense. I mean, to the point of crying when I tried to lift my left leg to get in the bed. I couldn't walk right, couldn't sit down or get up, ... it was just all around painful. So, I finally broke down and called the doctor. After a few tests and an ultrasound of my kidney and bladder, they were confident that is was something muscular/skeletal, and could very likely be my sciatic nerve. I thought no way... this baby is 1 1/2" long... how can it be causing this much pain?? But, everyone swears that's what it was. Anyways, thankfully the pain eased up a lot the next day and I was able to enjoy my long weekend.

*Bonus - I was able to get a sneak peak of Peanut!! He/she was kicking and punching! That was one super active baby! I had no idea they were going to do an ultrasound, so I told Rusty not to come to the appointment, that I would be fine on my own. I hate he didn't get to see it. The ONLY way to describe seeing MY baby moving inside me: LIFE CHANGING. It was the absolute most amazing thing I have ever seen! I even whipped out my phone to video it for Rusty until the u/s tech told me that wasn't allowed. : (

9 Weeks 3 Days

10 Week Appointment:

Everything looks great. Baby was sleepy today, but he/she did finally wave to daddy, so I was happy that he got to see the baby move a little. Heartbeat was 168 (it was 178 last Thursday during all the kicking and punching) and I am measuring 11 weeks, so we may meet Peanut by the end of March! I had lots of questions for the doctor about good signs, bad signs, and genetic testing. We still haven't decided if we want to get the genetic testing (quad screening). This tests for chromosome abnormalities, such as Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 18, and other neural defects. Of course, no matter what the outcome, we will still have the baby. It is just a way to prepare yourself instead of being shocked at the time of delivery. This is something we will be praying about for the next 4 weeks until my next appointment when they will do the screening (if we choose to). It is a standard blood test, but I still just can't decided what I think about it.

Symptoms:

I have been a little tired, but really not enough to complain about. The morning sickness has eased up A LOT (Hallelujah!), but I still have my good days/bad days. I have started getting headaches, which is typical, but Tylenol is helping. I have had a few "stretching cramps"... guess Peanut has decided he/she needs some more room! And my sense of smell...let's just say I feel like a Bloodhound! I smell EVERYTHING. I opened up a pack of Busy Bones for the dogs and I gagged from the smell. Oh, and then there is "pregnancy mask" aka preggers acne/blotchy skin/etc.. I was blessed not to have acne as a teenager, but I am now getting to experience breakouts at the age of 25...lovely.

Maternity Clothes:

Speaking of more room, Morgan and I braved Motherhood Maternity today. Since school was closed, we tried to make the best of it (since neither of us had power) and met at Brookwood Mall for lunch and a little shopping. I was relieved to find some cute clothes at MM. Although I know I don't need them yet, it was fun to browse. Ok, so the pants were a little creepy, but they had some super cute tops and tunics!

Cravings/Aversions:

• Milk has made a gradual, sneaky comeback. I was REALLY missing milk and cereal, so I had a bowl of cereal a few nights for dinner. One morning I paid the price for it, but the other two times have turned out ok. It was almost worth the gamble.
  
• I'm still staying away from extra greasy food.
• I usually LOVE ice cream, but right now I only want frozen yogurt. Not any of these new hip "Fro Yo" places all over Birmingham ...just a good 'ole swirl cone from TCBY. I also wouldn't turn down a chocolate glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. I don't really crave sweets except after a meal.
• I am loving soup for lunch or dinner and dry Eggo waffles for breakfast.
  
• I have been more thirsty lately. I know I haven't been drinking my 60-40 ounces of water a day, but hopefully I will get better at that. I have been having one Mt. Dew a day, usually at lunch. I was never a big soft drink drinker, but it is nice to have something to drink besides Gatorade and water. I made some decaf sweet tea this week and that has been a wonderful addition to my drink menu.

Gender:

We have made our gender ultrasound appointment for Friday, November 11th! I will be off that day, so I made my appointment first thing in the morning so I can spend the rest of the day shopping!!!! I can't wait!!! The Chinese Gender Chart shows girl.... we will see! I really just can't make up my mind! I have had two girl dreams, but boy thoughts have been popping in my mind a lot lately! We will be perfectly happy either way.

I have really got to start taking this belly pics in the morning... these 8:00 pm after I have been working all day pics are just not flattering, but oh well.

10 Weeks, 2 Days

Eight Weeks - "Morning" Sickness

It seems like the past two weeks have slooooowly crept by. I owe it all to my new friend, "morning sickness." I've heard the horror stories about how it lasts all day long, but it is hard to imagine until you have experienced it yourself. I won't complain much, because I know compared to many women, I have it easy. The main problems for me are: 1) my job - I don't have the type of job that I can come in late because I was sick; I can't sit in my cubicle and try to relax until it goes away - last week (the first week of school) I sat at my desk gagging while giving oral baseline assessments to 21 eight year olds; 2) It seems to last almost all day. The only way I can keep it at bay is to keep my tummy full. I measured my waist and lower abdomen area at 4 weeks (the day we found out) and I have grown almost an inch. I know that my uterus is expanding (now the size of a large grapefruit), therefore so is my belly, but I am sure the snacking all day every day isn't helping either. I usually feel better by lunch time, but here lately I'm not feeling too hot after dinner.

Cravings/Aversions

• Milk: My longtime BFF, drink of choice, chocolate, regular, in cereal or with cookies - we are no longer friends. The things you do to me now are not very nice. I hope we can be friends again in a few weeks.
  
• Greasy Foods: They look so good, but almost immediately after finishing my meal, I feel sick. Just looking at that greasiness makes me weak in the stomach.
• I usually love cakes and cookies, but I suddenly have no interest in them - at all. Rusty brought me a heavenly treat - a Dreamcakes wedding cake cupcake and it was all I could do to finish it. STRANGE. What has taken over my body? The cutest little Peanut around. ; )
  
• I'm not really having any cravings. The only thing I crave is something to make that constant stomach virus feeling go away - crackers, Tums, Gatorade, fruit, hard candy - whatever I can get my hands on.
  

Sleep

You hear of those exhausting 1st and 3rd trimesters, women sleeping every spare moment, etc. My family joked that I would be asleep 24/7 while pregnant. Before being pregnant, I have been known to fall asleep anytime, anywhere, in any position, but I have done well until the past few days. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I said I was going to "lie down for a minute." I was up three hours later, and one of those times was only because Rusty woke me up.

Bringing Home the Bacon

Rusty is working on a major project at his office, which has required him to be out of town most of the work week the whole month of August. So let me recap: August: school starting, morning sickness starting, and Rusty is out of town. Pity Party, I know. Luckily my sweet mother has volunteered to keep me company and be there to bring me crackers in bed to fight off morning sickness. We have enjoyed eating out, being lazy, and discussing plans for Peanut. Tuesday after lunch, I walked in to my classroom to find flowers and the most thoughtful, sweetest card EVER from Hubby. It totally made my day. I am one lucky girl.

Preparing for Peanut

Even before I was pregnant, I loved to look for baby stuff. If I was ever near Buy Buy Baby and had time to kill, I would take a nice stroll and gaze around at all the gadgets, clothes, furniture, etc. I even conned Rusty into going once or twice, but he was always concerned that someone would see us and wonder why we were hanging out in the baby store. Well this time, Daddy was excited to go and learn a few things. We looked at nursery furniture, the "wall of pacifiers" - seriously, so unnecessary - and braved the stroller/car seat section. It was fun to see Rusty so interested in all of the contraptions his Peanut will be needing in just 32 weeks.

Belly Pic

Peanut is now the size of a kidney bean! My uterus has grown from the size of a peach to the size of a large grapefruit.

I am really looking forward to my 10 week appointment. They are going to do another ultrasound. I CAN'T WAIT to see how much Peanut has grown!

Six Weeks

It seemed like this day would never get here. I was under the impression that my doctor's office would have me come in for a blood test to confirm my pregnancy when I called them at four weeks. They said it was not necessary and that they do not typically see patients until six weeks. I was very anxious to hear the doctor's reassuring words, and on August 8th, I finally did..."Congratulations!" I was just as excited all over again.

I had the whole appointment planned out in my mind based on stories of my friends' first time appointments, but mine was totally different. After the basic weigh/blood pressure/pee in a cup routine, I went straight back to get my ultrasound. I had my eyes glued to the screen as she mashed on my lower abdomen, and then I HEARD IT! This caught me off guard because I didn't think we would be able to hear (just see) the heartbeat this early. But there was Peanut in all his/her glory. That heartbeat was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Just to make sure, I had the tech confirm that it was the baby's heartbeat and not mine. All of my worrying for the past two weeks melted away as I fell in love with the 4 cm blob on the screen.

Right after the ultrasound... SO EXCITED!!!

Our little Peanut!

Six Weeks:

• not feeling as bloated
  



• queasy feeling almost all day long




• loving Whole Fruit Frozen Strawberry Bars and chocolate milk

What a wonderful husband! I was dying for 1 chocolate covered doughnut, but he bought a dozen!

6 Weeks and 2 days
(looking rough - eeeeearly on my first day back at work)

We are so happy that we could finally share the news with everyone! We are really looking forward to preparing for our little one for the next 34 weeks!

Ashworth, Party of 3!

We are so excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby! Baby Ashworth is due April 2, 2012!

Surprise?

So how did this all happen? First of all, it was no surprise to us. I have been charting my cycles since December with the plan to start trying in July. We were thrilled to learn that we conceived on our first try! I will have 4 months at home with our little angel before I have to go back to work in the fall, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

This was, however, a surprise to our families. We thought it would be fun to have "our little secret". It was really hard not to let it slip sometimes, and we were nervous that the constant talk of babies, baby names, etc. would be a sign that we were planning one soon. Our parents could not have been more surprised. Everyone is ready to have a little baby around to love and spoil!

THE test...

We had planned to take the first test on a Sunday morning (it is recommended that you test first thing in the morning), but we just couldn't wait. We attended the wedding of one of Rusty's friends, where I was "holding it" the whole time so that we could run home and take a test. The packaging said it would take 1-3 minutes, so I went to put on my pajamas. Rusty said "Is it ready yet?" - he was just as ready to know as I was. I didn't think that it would be, but I couldn't help casually glance at it as I went to put my dirty clothes in the hamper. "OH MY GOSH!!! IT SAYS PREGNANT!!!" I screamed as I turned around and jumped on Rusty. I just stood there in the bathroom screaming/clapping/jumping for the next few minutes. I really just couldn't believe it. I looked and looked and LOOKED at that test all night. I think I was in disbelief that all my planning had worked and we had been blessed to conceive on the first try. It seems like we have heard of many people - even young, healthy people - having difficulty getting pregnant. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a constant worry in the back of our minds. We truly feel like God heard our prayers. Even though I know this was "our plan", the timing was ultimately His, and His plans are always perfect.

Still in shock!

Daddy and Momma!

Spreading the news...

Even though I was only four weeks along, we just couldn't wait to share the news. We knew it was early, but we thought our parents/family could keep it to themselves, at least until my first doctor's appointment. We took another test Sunday morning, just to make sure. (Hey, it came in a 2 pack...why not?) My mind had been racing all night, so I made Rusty go look at it. His smile said it all. We rushed to church and praised the Lord for our new blessing. After the service, we went straight to the lake to give my mom her "birthday present". We were going to be out of town on her birthday, so we told her we would celebrate early. She unwrapped her present and just stared at it for a while. She has recently started a program with a nutritionist and personal trainer, so she thought it was some kind of weight loss gadget. She asked me if it was a diabetic test and I said no. She just stared at it for a little while longer and finally looked up at me. "Is this a pregnancy test?" she asked. "Are you pregnant?" I just nodded and grinned as she sat in shock. We all teared up and shared lots of hugs. We stayed to hang out and chat about names, plans, etc. Then off to Homewood! We told Rusty's parents, brother, and sister-in-law that we wanted to grab some dinner and go see Lauren and Brett's new home site - which was the truth. We were just going to throw a little surprise in there. When everyone was getting in the car to go to dinner, Rusty asked his parents to come look at something in the back seat of his truck. He had recently purchased a new truck and he acted like he had a question about something. He finally said, "So, which side do you think the carseat should go on?" This was followed by ramblings about tags, instructions, etc. then it finally clicked. His mom looked at me, and I was holding up the two tests. She screamed and ran around to the other side of the car to give me a hug. We all stood in the driveway and shared hugs and laughs.

The wait...

I called my doctor and was informed that they don't see patients for the first visit until they are 6 weeks along. I was going to have to wait two weeks to hear from the doctor that I was pregnant, something that I thought would ease my mind. So while we didn't feel comfortable sharing our wonderful news with the world, we did celebrate a little in private!


I will be documenting our journey through this blog. I hope that one day it will provide wonderful memories for us to look back on and allow our little Peanut to know all about how excited we were about him/her!