I'm Pregnant!

I am officially pregnant! I can't really believe it myself. Here are all the details...



When did you find out?

I found out March 29, 2010. It was the Monday of my spring break. I had gone to Target to buy a few things and I randomly picked up a pregnancy test. I knew it was pretty early to be taking one, but I felt it couldn't hurt. So, I went home and took the test. I walked out of the bathroom and started putting all the stuff that I had just bought away. I walked back into the bathroom to check the test, expecting a 'not pregnant'. When I saw the 'pregnant' I started laughing and jumping up and down. I preceeded to take about 3 more tests that day.



How did you tell Julian?

I called him immediately but he was meeting with homeowners at his job so I knew he wasn't going to answer. I debated about whether or not to wait for him to get home, but I just couldn't. So I took a picture of the pregnancy test with my phone and messaged it to him. He called me as soon as the meeting was over. He was very happy!



When did you tell family and friends?

We decided to not tell anyone until we saw the doctor. Well, that didn't really work out. I called Shannon the next day and told her. We were going out for her husband's birthday so I figured she would know something was up anyway when I wasn't drinking. So, besides Shannon, no one knew for a couple of weeks. Then, on April 14th I told my immediate family, and that following weekend we went to Virginia and told Julian's immediate family. Everyone is really excited! I told my close friends at the end of April right before we all went out to celebrate Kim's birthday. We will be telling my whole entire family on Mother's Day.



Will you find out the sex?

I was very sure I would never find out the sex of our baby. I just always believed that it is the coolest surprise in the delivery room. Well, that is kind of out the window. Julian really wants to find out the sex. So does my mom. I have given in and seen the upside to it. The nursery gets decorated appropriately, the outfits will be cuter because they will be gender specific. It means a lot to Julian so he gets this one! So, yes, we will be finding out the sex.



What sex would you rather?

I had always said I want a boy first. Julian also really wants a son. But, the more we talk about it we would also LOVE a little baby girl. I know it sounds so politically correct, but I really don't care. I want one of each eventually so whatever comes first is fine with me. As of right now, I guess I would still want a boy. Although, I will be delighted with a little girl. But, if I had to guess I think it's a boy.



Do you have names picked out?

We have picked out our names

Chase for a boy, Lila or Eloise for a girl.



How are you feeling?

At first I didn't really feel much different. I haven't experienced much morning sickness. I do get queasy now and then, but nothing terrible. The biggest symptom I have is exhaustion. I feel like I can sleep 10 hours a night plus take a nap during the day. I always seem tired. But, it is just a reminder that baby Barker is in there and doing well!



Due Date?

December 6, 2010



Cravings?

I really seem to be enjoying Italian food and french fries. The weird things I have wanted were

- cantaloupe melon ( I ate a whole one)

- pickles and a peanut butter sandwich

- cheese

- pasta



Aversions?

Most of the time any type of meat seems to gross me out. I have been dealing with chicken and it hasn't been that bad. But fish really does not look appetizing to me and most of the time big pieces of chicken or pork don't either. Vegetarain pregnant lady here I come.

7 weeks pregnant

I feel like there have been some changes in the way I feel from 6 weeks to 7 weeks. This week I am SOOO much more tired. I feel tired from when I wake up until when I fall asleep (usually before 8pm). I didn't realize how tired I could be, even after sleeping for 10 straight hours. Also, I don't have morning sickness but I sometimes feel a little queasy, especially right after a big meal. I haven't had many cravings this week. I did eat a peanut butter sandwich and then downed almost a whole jar of pickles. I guess you could say that sounds like I am pregnant! We have another ultrasound on Tuesday to check on baby Barker's heartbeat and then I have a full exam on Thursday (I am due for my annual anyway!). I can't wait to hear what the doctor says!

6 weeks pregnant

So, I am now 6 weeks pregnant! I don't feel any different except my chest is super sore. I can barely hug J because they hurt so bad. Besides that, I have no other symptoms. The doctor said not to worry about it because it is still early. I felt queasy one day but nothing bad. Sometimes a smell will bother me but it isn't anything life-changing. I have read books and online articles about morning sickness, extreme fatigue, headaches, bloat and constipation in the first trimester. So far, I have had none of these. I guess I am tired a lot but nothing crazy. I don't feel like I need a nap. Plus, I gave up caffeine so that might be why I feel tired. I have read on the "December Mommies" board that people have already started craving certain foods. I haven't really experienced that either. I tend to not want to eat meat products (chicken, fish, turkey, etc) but I usually don't want meat products anyway. I also seem to enjoy fruits, vegetables and cheese a lot more than usual. I don't want to seem like I am complaining about not having horrible first trimester symptoms, I just feel like since I don't have any I am not experiencing all that pregnancy is. Don't get me wrong--I wouldn't mind missing the morning sickness and the headaches. But, my only reminder that baby Barker is alive is my sore chest. I'll take it :)

Did you know that you can see a heartbeat this early on in your pregnancy? YOU CAN! We even have pictures of baby Barker, who looks more like a jelly bean than a baby. It was so awesome going to get the ultrasound done and having Julian there to experience that with me. I can't believe that some husbands don't even go to any appointments. I really think seeing the heartbeat finally made everything real to us. It was such a wonderful feeling. The other thing that is also making this real is telling people. Keeping this secret is really hard so finally we went to my parents and surprised them with the good news! It was a dinner for my brother's birthday (as he would say-we stole his thunder). We gave him a J.Crew gift card and a bag with a Yankee onesie in it. He didn't even pull it out of the bag. He took one look and said "oh no" and put it down. I had to force him to pull it out so everyone could see. My sister's mouth immediately dropped. My mom didn't get it and had to have us explain it to her. But, after everyone realized what was going on they were all so happy! We all hugged and my mom teared up. I called my dad today and he said that he's really happy but my mom is estatic. She has already started to plan a baby shower! This is going to be a really fun next 8 months.

The next thing we have to look forward to is this weekend. We are going to VA to visit Julian's family and tell them the good news!

I want these coasters!

How cool are these coasters? They stick to the bottom of glasses, so that not only are they a coaster that you will carry around with you all night, but they are a wine tagger as well! You will always know which glass is yours! Etsy just has the coolest things :)

I'm definitely adding these to my list of things I want!

Myrtle Beach

My timing seems to be perfect. This weekend there was practically a hurricane in New Jersey and I was in Myrtle Beach soaking in the sun. It was really great to be out and about in nice weather. We walked every day on the beach and got some really great pictures, thanks to Shannon. Girl's weekends are always fun and the laughing pretty much didn't stop until we landed back in gloomy NJ. Thank goodness the weather here has changed and it seems as if SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG!

Anyway, Kelly's baby shower was fun and she looks great! She is starting to get a pregnant belly! But, that is the only big thing about her. I have seen plenty of pregnant women who get big all over, Kelly is definitely not one of those. She seems a little uncomfortable but I guess that is normal for 32 weeks. It was great to see her since I hadn't seen her since before I knew she was pregnant! She is our first pregnant friend, and I am pretty sure she just got the ball rolling :)

The gift we brought for her was this Summer Infant Complete Coverage video baby monitor! What a good idea considering all those mommies that stare at their babies 24/7 and can't get any sleep! I can't imagine how worried you would be all night! Well, here's the solution.

She also got a couple of other really nice things! I thought these pacifier cases were adorable, they aren't the exact ones that Kelly got, but the same idea! I found these at www.piccolinionline.com I like these better than the clips you see attached to babies. So cute!

She also received some monogrammed burp cloths like this one I found at www.moonbeambaby.com. What a cute idea for a baby shower! I love personalized gifts...

It was so fun to sit around and talk about babies, I guess I needed a break from the weddings! However, I am thrilled to back with Julian and the dogs. Julian even cleaned the house, which was a really nice surprise! Here are a few pics to document the fun weekend...We can't wait to meet you baby Blake!

Duke and Maggie

How can anything be more joyful than coming home to two dogs who are so excited to see you they can barely stand up? Where else can anyone get unconditional love and hours of laughter? Just look at their faces, they melt my heart! Without them life sure would be a lot duller. But, then again, my house would be a lot cleaner. I just recently came to terms with the fact that my house is always going to smell like 'tooty booty'. Thank goodness I am not overly houseproud! Plus, they are the only reason J and I walk about 6 miles a week. They keep us in shape, make us laugh everyday, and provide endless amounts of cuddles. As I am writing this they are running in circles around my house.... hahaha LIFE IS GOOD!

100 Things To Do Before 2012

I understand that 100 things is a lot of things. But, I think it is important to always have goals in mind and keep track of the things that you have completed and are proud of. I tried to make this list attainable but at the same time challenging.
1. Implement a swear jar so I can stop cursing all together
2. Be thankful for 4 things everyday and write them in a journal
3. Pray everyday
4. Go to church at least 1x a month
5. Tithe
6. Read a fun story to my class 1x a week
7. Walk the dogs 3x a week
8. Read every ‘book club’ book
9. Start an herb garden
10. Work out 2x a week
11. Donate money to a charity once a season
12. unplug my phone charger when I am not using it
13. Send postcards to three people when I am on vacation of a week or longer
14. Take a at least one picture every week
15. Buy 75% organic and local groceries
16. Research a Farmers Market in the area
17. Clean out the guest room closets
18. Finish decorating two out of the three guest rooms
19. Finish decorating my little room
20. Paint our bedroom
21. Get a really nice high-tech camera
22. Learn to use my really nice high-tech camera
23. Go on vacation with friends
24. Try 5 new restaurants that aren’t chains
25. Send a birthday card to everyone whose birthday I have in my planner
26. Send a care package to a soldier
27. Take Pilates at my gym
28. Pay for a stranger’s coffee
29. Pay for a friend’s coffee
30. Teach Maggie how to sit and stay
31. Take both dogs to the dog beach and take pictures
32. Invest money in an index fund
33. Give myself manicures
34. Only run the dishwasher when it is full
35. Make our backyard someplace we can enjoy
36. Buy handmade or charitable Christmas gifts
37. Buy myself something from Etsy
38. Don’t get mad at my dogs for things that are my fault
39. Tell J I love him everyday
40. Sign the “No Phone Zone” pledge to stop texting while driving
41. Be genuinely happy for people in a situation where I might be jealous
42. Floss everyday for 21 days
43. When I do get pregnant, use a doula
44. Try not to end sentences with prepositions
45. Make Julian a steak at least once
46. Watch 3 documentaries
47. Make my own all-purpose cleaner
48. Write a good note home for a student that annoyed me.
49. Only use organic lotions
50. Turn off lights when I leave a room.
51. Recycle more
52. Seriously consider cloth diapers
53. Read the whole Winnie the Pooh series
54. Only buy fresh fish to cook/ Don’t buy frozen fish
55. Eat dinner with my parents more often
56. Organize my kitchen cabinets/junk drawers
57. Get an I phone or some sort of similar smart phone
58. Buy organic beauty products
59. When I am pregnant make a baby book
60. When I am pregnant get maternity pictures
61. Have a professional baby photo session
62. Swifer the floors at least twice a week
63. Buy environmentally friendly candles ONLY
64. Switch dishwasher detergent to METHOD
65. Drink two Sigg’s of water a day
66. Take a vitamin everyday
67. Drink only one cup of caffeinated coffee a day
68. Be Team Green
69. Get new kitchen stools
70. Try to understand that cutting in line is a serious offense
71. Cook one thing from every cookbook I have
72. Make my own granola bars at least once
73. Use agave nectar instead of sugar
74. Put pictures in my photo albums instead of leaving them on the computer
75. Brush my dogs once a week
76. Donate the jackets in our closets we never wear
77. Go see a show and out to dinner in NYC with just J
78. Rub J’s feet for no real reason when he has had a hard day
79. Use a plastic bag at least twice before throwing it away
80. Get plants for the indoors and take care of them
81. Go camping at least once
82. Go to a museum that I haven’t been to
83. Buy Lincoln logs to expand the collection in my classroom
84. Only turn on two rows of lights in my classroom, not three
85. Keep in touch with my college friends better than I do now
86. Write out the word definitely instead of using “def”
87. Learn how to shoot a gun so I don’t get nervous with them in my house
88. Take tennis lessons
89. Get a new handle for our slider
90. Get a new screen the dogs won’t bust through
91. Get a rug for the living room
92. Decorate the guest bath
93. Decorate the downstairs bathroom
94. Get a wreath for spring
95. Clean the outdoor furniture
96. Add more pictures to our frame gallery
97. Have a party where we send real invitations
98. Get our bathroom a new shower curtain
99. Use under eye cream every night
100. Make a list of things that make me happy