Quick 16 Week Update

I went in for my 16 week check-up this morning. We waited 45 minutes to see the doc for five. I guess a quick appointment means everything is good.

• I've gained 5 pounds in the last month. This is normal.
• I'm still a novice at peeing in a cup.
• Nugget's heartbeat was loud and strong.
• My bump is measuring 15 inches, which is also apparently normal.

Next appointment is with my cardiologist in 3 weeks. He'll be checking both my heart and Nugget's lil' ticker.

15 Weeks - Riddles and Bumps

I've been on a popsicle kick this past week. You know, the old school flavors that have riddles on the stick? Four of the nine popsicles all had jokes relating to baby names. It got me thinking...is this a sign that we should be talking more about what to name Nugget? We had the discussion once over dinner at Chipotle over a month ago, but we haven't talked about it since. I think it's too early, but then again, I can be a procrastinator when it comes to making big decisions. And this IS a big decision.

You aren't going to get any hints from me on names that we like, but I will share the popsicle riddles with you.

A) What did the Hamburger's name their daughter?
B) What did the announcer name his son?
C) What did the beachcomber name his daughter?
D) What did the mountain climber name his son?

I'm feeling pretty good. Sleeping hasn't gotten any better. We need a bigger bed. I think Nugget went through a growth spurt last week. I had a funky feeling in my tummy on Friday. I wasn't sick or in pain, but the feeling was weird and unfamiliar. Molly said it must be growing pains, so I stuck with that theory. That must have been it, because by Friday night and the rest of the weekend my belly started to swell. Check it out!




We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of my cousin Arik and his wife Jenn's little boy. Her baby shower was on Sunday. Just in time because the doctors want to induce this week. Christos and I are hoping for a smooth birth and successful recovery. We are looking forward to meeting 'Oscar'. We're thinking about you guys.

And finally, the much anticipated answers to the popsicle stick riddles:
A) Patty B) Mike C) Sandy D) Cliff

14 Weeks - Colds, Clothes and Vivid Dreams

My 13th and 14th weeks have been spent battling my second cold (since Christmas), and also dealing with some lightheadedness due to low blood sugar. It seems my second trimester has been more eventful than the first. Again, nothing major, I'm just feeling more tired and lazy. The congestion in my head probably hasn't helped much either. I've stayed on track by eating more frequently, despite my lack of appetite, and that's helped ward off any sickness. Hopefully once I get back into my yoga and walking routine I'll start to feel better.

I seem to be at the tail end of cold #2. Hopefully head colds won't be a trend throughout the entire pregnancy.

Sleeping has become more of a challenge. I just told Christos last night that a body pillow is in our very near future. Tucker probably won't be thrilled with the idea, but he'll adjust. Sleeping on my side night after night is doing a number on my already weak hips, but hopefully the body pillow will relieve some of the pressure. Getting up 1-3 times a night to pee and dreaming all night long doesn't help me feel rested when I wake up in the morning. I'm hoping that it will pass once I start doing more activity.


I finally took a big step and purchased a few maternity clothes over the weekend. I don't know how soon I'll need them, but now I'm prepared for the morning that I wake up and nothing fits. I'm still wearing all of my normal clothes, including a belt. As of my 12 week appointment, I'd only gained 1 lb. since early December. I'm glad Nugget is using up the spare poundage before s/he needs more cushion and room to grow.

Christmas Memories

As promised, the following is how we announced the baby news to our families. We wanted to be different yet still fun and memorable. I think we succeeded.

We spent Christmas Eve with my family; Mom, Dad, Becky, Cory, Zach and Drew. After we opened gifts, Christos came into the room and told everyone that we'd made special cookies. Earlier that day we baked and decorated cookies with each person's name (or title rather) on them. First Christos gave Zach and Drew their cookies. Since Zach was more interested in dessert and Drew can't read yet, neither of them noticed that their cookies said "Cousin Zach" and "Cousin Drew." The only thing I remember is Drew expressing his displeasure with the taste. I'll admit, the frosting was sweet. Then Christos gave Mom (Grandma) and Becky (Aunt Becky) their cookies. Since both have already been crowned the title of Grandma and Aunt, it took them a few seconds before they realized what was going on. Once they did, screams and tears ensued. Dad and Cory were still in the dark, but they quickly caught on. I'll never forget how Dad quietly went back to his scratch off's that Santa had put in his stocking.

I was so excited and nervous that I failed to find the video function on our camera in time to capture their reactions. I'm hoping that by writing it here it, the memory will stay with us for many years to come.

Here are the cookies we made.



We spent Christmas Day with Chris, Sue, Maggie and Alex. I’ll give you a little background so you understand what they are talking about in the video. This year we decided not to exchange gifts. In fact, we got in a minorly heated discussion about it prior to this video being taken. So when I handed the tiny wrapped gifts to Sue, Mags and Chris, their reactions were less than enthusiastic. Below is a picture of the ornaments we gave them. Following is the video Christos captured of them opening their gifts. It speaks for itself. Grab a box of tissue and enjoy.

In the Beginning

It's not really the beginning anymore, but the purpose of this blog is to journal my life as a mom-to-be...knocked-up chick....bellied beauty; whatever the appropiate title may be.

Christos and I have waited a long time for our little Nugget. It's been a challenging journey, so we are thrilled to close that chapter of our life and are ready to start a new one. I am 12 weeks along and my due date is July 15th. I hope to post weekly updates to track my progress.

I'll get the common questions out of the way. If I've missed any, please ask me in a comment so I can address it accordingly. In fact, I'd love for this blog to be interactive. Tell me what you want to hear about.

How have you been feeling?
I've been feeling really good. The first few weeks after we found out I noticed some minor changes. As the weeks progressed I noticed a few more. My 9th week was freakishly quiet and then I caught a cold that lasted 2 weeks. I've had no nausea, no morning sickness, no sore boobies. None of the "normal" pregnancy symptoms. I'm thankful that it's been an uneventful pregnancy so far.

Are you going to find out the sex?
At this time, we are not planning to find out if it's a boy or a girl. (Sorry all my planner friends and family. You'll have to wait with the rest of us.)

Have you had an ultrasound? Heard the heartbeat?
Yes, I had an ultrasound at 8 weeks and we got to see our little peanut/Nugget for the first time. It was surreal and there were plenty of tears. We heard the heart beat at my most recent appointment last week. No tears this time, but plenty of "Cool"s and "Crazy"s.

Are you going back to work after the baby is born?
Assuming We.lls Far.go doesn't have major layoffs this year due to the merger with Wac.hovia, I plan to return to work after my 12 weeks of STD.

Does your family know?
We've told most of our family and friends. The reactions have been memorable. I will write more about that later.

How do you think Tucker and Sugar will handle a baby in the house?
We hit the puppy lottery when Tucker and Sugar came to live with us. We are prepared to work out some kinks, but we are determined to keep them as much a part of our family as they always have been. Plus, they both LOVE children.

Where will you deliver?
My clinic is affiliated with North Memorial Hospital. Assuming all goes smoothly, I will be delivering there.


Stay tuned. There is more to come. Let me know if you'd like your email address added to my update notifications. Every time I write a new post, you'll get an email.