12 weeks 4 days

Right now -- this pregnancy is all about insomnia and cravings...

Every night about 12:30 I wake up and rush to the bathroom. I can't believe it's happening already, but I swear my bladder is shrinking, and I have to go in the worst way. Literally, it seems like all I have to do is lie down and fall asleep and PRESTO! the bathroom is calling. Then, I have the worst time falling asleep again -- my mind starts wandering and I think of the most ridiculous things -- which just makes me angry because I can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle!

So, I've been trying to not drink anything before bed, but inevitably I forget to take my prenatal vitamin, so I end up drinking anyway.... UUUUUUGH! It's maddening!

My cravings are also starting to kick in, and thankfully, Katherine and Caleb, will eat right along with me. Our morning tradition of pancakes has fallen away, and the three of us share TWO grapefruits -- because one is not enough! I have to laugh, grapefruits are now one of their favorite foods. The more sour the better!

Then, today we were at Target picking up a few last minute things, I ended up in the frozen foods isle -- right by the pizza. Remember those super cheap Tostino's pizzas -- they're like $1.00 each??? I haven't had one since living in the sorority house in college, but as soon as I saw them I couldn't help myself -- I threw FOUR in the cart. As soon as I got up to the check out I was totally embarrassed. Who really buys these things anyway??? I'm sure the check out girl thought I was feeding this junk to my kids -- but NOPE -- these babies are all for me!! How sad am I?

As soon as I walked in the door I threw one in the oven, and man... in was Heaven! I devoured that thing like I hadn't eaten in a year. It was sooooo yummy! Speaking of cheap college foods .... Danyel was telling me that she made hamburger helper the other night, and I was about drooling. What is it with the food I ate in college that my mom would NEVER have served us as kids???? Matt better watch out! He just may be eating Hamburger Helper slop some night soon!

So far, I haven't gained any weight, so really will one (or in my case 4) Tostino's pizzas really hurt? Here's to hoping not!

12 weeks

Wow... I can't believe it.... My first trimester is over. This time has passed so quickly (probably because I spent so much time sleeping LOL) but really, these past 12 weeks have flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the bathroom staring at a positive pregnancy test, thanking God for the blessing that was entering our lives, and now 12 weeks later, when I look in the mirror I see an already growing belly. Oh, and Katherine won't let me forget about my expanding waistline. Love that!

I didn't think it was possible, but the past few days I've felt the baby start to move. At first I thought it was hunger pains and tummy rumblings, but really, I'm pretty sure it's the baby.... which is unreal because I thought I had to be in the 14 to 15 week range. It's so exciting!

11 weeks 5 days

My doctor appointment yesterday afternoon went well. It was pretty uneventful except for the surprise blood work, which always throws me off my game, but other than that, everything looks good. I hate blood work, and detest needles. They freak me out -- I start to shake, sweat, the works. I'm pathetic. I'm fully aware of it, but man... they terrify me!

The baby's heart rate was in the high 160's range, which is fairly typical in early pregnancies, so unfortunately no indication of the baby's gender. It did take the doctor a minute to find the heart rate, but thankfully I was able to hear it.

I must be emotional, because when I heard the baby's heart beat on the doppler I could instantly feel my eyes well with tears. Before I knew it, I was bawling. Hearing your baby's heart beat for the first time is such an amazing sound, and it absolutely overwhelmed me.

I haven't gained any weight yet - in fact I've lost a couple of pounds, which isn't even on my radar as something I should worry about. With Katherine I lost 20 pounds initially from being so sick, so this isn't even a blip on the radar! And it's not like I don't have 20 pounds to lose this time around anyway! LOL!

My doctors --- Let's just say that as of now, I have SEVERE reservations. I loved the OB/GYN practice that I had been going to since I moved to Des Moines. All of the doctors were very competent, and I would have been comfortable with any of them in the delivery room. Well..... After Katherine, my fave doc retired. After Caleb, another one decided not to do the OB side anymore, so he doesn't deliver babies. They tried to hire a few doctors, but decided to take in 4 doctors from another practice here in town. Two are M.D's and two are D.O.'s. I don't go to D.O's. I don't trust them. I'd never take my kids to one, let alone, slice me open if (God forbid) I need a C-section. However, there are a ton of D.O.'s here in town because of the school. Yesterday I saw a D.O. -- one of the new guys. He was older, maybe in his 50's and talked to me like I didn't know a thing. He started to preach to me about morning sickness and food aversions even though I told him I felt fine and this was my THIRD pregnancy. I was seriously questioning if he bothered to read my chart.

Anyway, I wasn't a fan. I don't plan to go to him again before the baby is born, and just pray that he isn't on call when the little one decides to make his/her grand entrance.

It's official!

Our lives are about to change dramatically! In a few short months, we will welcome our third bundle of joy into our lives and hearts. It's such an amazing feeling knowing that our family will grow by one more this fall. I am so excited and anxious to meet this little one.

Remember when I was a total witch??? I hate to blame it on pregnancy, but let me tell ya, hormones totally got the best of me that weekend. I was completely out of control and there was NOTHING I could do about it! Thankfully it didn't last last! Several people who read my regular blog, guessed that a baby was on the way based on that post. Thankfully, they thought it was WAAAAY out of character. Thank goodness!

I had my first ultrasound around Valentine's Day. You could already distinctly see the head, arms, legs... Everything! AAAHHH! I can't wait until the day when I can hold the little one in my arms and see everything with my own eyes.

Based on that ultrasound, my due date is September 30 so I'll use that date, but... I KNOW I'm actually a few days further along. It doesn't REALLY matter unless you're a control freak and planner (which I am), so it's a big deal to me. Matt doesn't get it... Two or three days one way or the other is insignificant to him, but to me.... It might as well be months!

Katherine is absolutely elated, and can't wait to be a big sister again. She keeps telling everyone that she "has a VERY important job to do. I'm going to be a big sister to two people"! Caleb is thrilled to be a "big brudder" and always wants to kiss my belly and hug the baby.

As a side note, I've been wanting to start this blog for ages, but feared that Matt's family would find it, and I certainly didn't want them to find out about their newest grandchild that way. So, wait I did! We went back to LeMars this past weekend and Katherine spilled the beans! She couldn't wait!