Top 10 best and worst...

I have sorta had this list in my head for awhile...well, little tidbits I have remarked to myself  throughout this first experience being pregnant. So without further ado:

Top 10 best pregnancy perks:

1.  Your body has a utilitarian purpose. It isn't just about being in shape to be cute, or to wear fun clothes, or to have some vanity induced quest for attractiveness. Your body is to grow and house a baby -- as your belly and hips swell, your face breaks out, your skin stretches...it is all for an actual PURPOSE.
2.  Taking long walks with your husband (and subsequent foot rubs). After 5 months I couldn't run anymore...I took up walking as a not-so-challenging but still helpful form of exercise. These 30-60 minute walks have brought us closer together, even if we are just chatting about our days, what's for dinner, or what we have to buy at Baby's R Us.
  
3.  Support from unexpected places. I have really loved the guidance from friends both near and far, as well as closer relationships I've built through facebook, instragram and the like. People I haven't talked to in ages, or weren't that close to pre-pregnancy have really shown to be huge motivators throughout these past 9 months. It truly takes a village. 

 
4.  Your body's natural inclination to desire what it needs. For me, this was a shit ton of fruits and vegetables. What is it about sugar snap peas and (currently) pineapple that my body craves and why? I understand why some women get pica during their pregnancies...sometimes such food is beyond satisfying. Is there something my body is missing that it is gaining through crushing through these delicious green beans?  See also, quests for greater meaning for things....and taking a more holistic view about the world in general. 

5. Making you more thankful. The obvious here is having an appreciation for your own mother, and what she has done for you (and Niter was the best!)  .... but to also to celebrate other mothers (young and old) in your world...it makes you have a greater understanding of the struggles, joys and triumphs that women go through. From being terrified for loss the first few weeks, with every twinge being a sign of impending doom...to seeing your friends celebrate their baby's 1st birthdays, and the excitement around having that one year notch of success under their belts. 

6.  A greater sense for what's important. Having been an anxious mess the majority of my life, it is hard for me to "let go" of past hurts.  I can be very self critical and have always put too much emphasis on what everyone else is thinking. Having a greater purpose than myself has made it alot easier to determine if something worrisome is really going to matter in a week, a month, a year. It doesn't mean I have a tougher skin, it just means I have less time to devote to desperately clinging to situations I regret, people I no longer speak to, and continuously over-extending myself to people/activities that don't warrant my time and energy. 

7. The initial flutters, and eventual strong kicks from your baby...this has hands down got to be one of all mothers favorite parts of pregnancy. For 19 weeks I studied my own belly, and waited, and waited and waited to feel anything. I am glad that although I have an anterior placenta, that I was able to feel him as early and consistently as I have. Jerome loves his kicks too. 

8. People giving you the pass because you're pregnant. It's okay to cry in the restaurant/at work/at the grocery store for no real reason because hey...hormones. 

9.  The obvious : buying baby shit. It's cute, it's bright, it's fun to organize. We have been truly spoiled by friends and family....and of course I may be really, really, really good at shopping. I hope this baby boy is thankful for all the love and endless amounts of plastic stuff bestowed upon him! People have asked if our nursery had a "theme" or color and when I've shown them photos they have been blown away at his nursery. I couldn't be prouder of how our hard work came to fruition. 

10. The excitement. It is palpable. The world loves a pregnancy/baby. People want to tell you how their own pregnancies went, how they carried, their labor stories. Or just to smile and share a knowing look when you waddle down the culdesac. People have been really supportive, complimentary and kind (for the most part...) and for that we are grateful! 

Top 10 not-so-fabulous bits of pregnancy

1. Lack of control. While it's great your body has the greatest purpose in the world carrying a child, it is nerve-wracking to not fully understand the how's and why's and maybe's of the anatomy and physiology of carrying a baby to term. 

1st trimester : is there even a baby in there? 

2nd trimester : is my cervix going to keep this baby in to viability? 

3rd trimester: is a normal delivery even a remote possibility for me? 

Not to mention, why is my hair so scraggly? Are these breakouts going to leave scars? Are those stretch marks? How much weight am I gaining already? Will my boobs EVER get bigger? (Okay so that one is for vanity purposes alone, if I was ever going to get boobs I figured it'd be during pregnancy) Not so much. 

2. The industrialized notions of prenatal care. I feel like sometimes I am a number, shuffling through the system. Stats on someone's paperwork somewhere. While the quality of care has been great, the bedside manner has been virtually non-existent. The "reasons" why you can and cannot qualify for care based on insurance or the doctor's discretion can be really frustrating, as is waiting for appointments upwards to 2 hours at a time for less than 10 minutes of actual interaction with your doctor. I know I should really seek out a therapist if I want to get all touchy-feely about this huge change in my life, but sometimes it feels like the practice I go to invests only as much as needed to get through their appointments. 

3.  People who don't care. Not everyone is a "baby person". Not everyone will understand the challenges of getting yourself dressed and out of the house at a decent time when every step you take causes your pelvic bones to grate on eachother and make you limp in pain. Or you're so nauseous it is everything in your body not to drop your head down on your desk/vomit all over the place. Not everyone will care that you're excited you picked a name, painted the nursery, got maternity photos done. And that's perfectly fine. Pregnancy is your own little joy-fest, as mundane as some of the milestones are, they are yours to enjoy - alot of people get annoyed with the sonograms, bump and shower photos inundating their newsfeed - let 'em block you/hide you/make passive aggressive statuses about you. Just own this, this moment, this joy...nothing else matters. Laugh about it and carry on. 

someecards.com

4. Not getting the "benefits" of pregnancy. The glow, the shiny hair, the great skin, the kindness of strangers. My skin broke out worse than puberty, my hair never got full and lustrous, and I don't know if it's Baltimore...or what, but I notice no real change in the atmosphere of folks around me. My friends in NY and PA have marveled at how nice people are, holding doors, giving seats, or just smiling and being excited and engaging in conversation -- which HAS happened to me when I have traveled out of MD....but locally not so much. 

5. The pain. Nipple pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, calf cramp pain, digestive pain,  lower back pain, can't-get-comfortable-too-hot-it-hurts-to-turn-over pain, it-feels-like-someone-dropkicked-my-crotch-pain, nothing-tastes-good-and-I'm-hungry-pains, just to name a few. I also hear that childbirth can be painful. 

6. Lack of patience with people's "kind suggestions" and stories. Yes I know I carry big. My "oven" cooks 'em big I guess. No, there's only one. Yes, they've done sonograms. Multiple times. Yes, my boobs are small, I know. I wish they'd get bigger, too.  Sure, I'd love to tell you how much weight I've gained. That's awesome you only gained 20 pounds and lost it all in 5 weeks.  Doesn't seem to be the case for us. No, I don't know how I can get any bigger, but I'm sure to find out these past few weeks. Yes, I do have stretchmarks, I think it has something to do with my rapidly expanding belly and child that is gestationally large for his week-age. Yes, I stay hydrated, have slathered creams on each night and take very good care of my body. It's awesome you didn't get any, heredity is a bitch for some of us. Yes, I am still working out. It is okay for your heartrate to go over 140 BPMS. Yes, I've asked my doctor and gotten approval. Sweating is okay, lifting is okay, HIIT is okay. Yes, we are excited. Yes, we know our lives are going to change. Yes, we've heard they cry alot. I too, hope to not get a colicky baby. Yes, I am aware our sleeping is going to be affected.  Yes, I know diapers are dirty. Yes, I have changed them before. Yes, I understand cloth diapering can be hard. No, I don't think I'll give up on it and go to disposables. Yes, I know breastfeeding can be a challenge. I am sorry it did not work out for you, but please don't try to put fear into my efforts. Yes, it does make sense for us financially for me to stay home for awhile. No, I don't think I will regret it. Yes, I understand this may make me "less employable" in the future. Yes, I think "staying at home" is a full time job, daycare providers get paid a decent fortune for this. Yes, I think it is economically more feasible to put $1500-2000 in our pockets than pay a stranger to watch a 12 week old baby. Yes, I know labor is hard, painful, life threatening. I am just going to go at it with my best intentions and take what comes as what needs to happen to have a healthy baby-healthy mama. No, we are not sharing names...no matter how many times you ask. No, I can't give you initials, or middle names, or swear you to secrecy. Once the name is out there, it's out there, and that's something that takes away from the "special" part of it that seems intimate as a family. Yes, my husband is black, so the baby will be mixed. No, I can't guess what "color" he will be. Yes, even full-black babies are born really light. It takes months for them to get their "full color". Yes, I hope he has an adorable full head of curly hair too. I will love him even if he is bald. No, it doesn't sadden me he may not "look" like me, because he is created as nature intended and I will love him however he "turns out". Yes, I do hear alot that "mixed babies are the cutest", but that is not why we had him, we wanted a baby. No, I am not currently worried about him "having to pick a side", he will be Baby Boy Lovelace, with Leah and Glenn as his parents, and that is all the identification he needs. Ahem. 

7. Not being able to buy/fit into all the cute summery clothes.  Probably going to be stuck in some hideous-post-baby excuse for a bathing suit complete with ruffles and skirts all summer. 

wrybaby.com

8. Awkardness. I can't cut my own toenails really, I have to tie my shoes to the side because it is all I can reach. We all know that shaving is a bitch, and I have about 7 pair of underwear that actually fit. My granny panties are fully on and popping and I've had horrible panty lines since 5 months on. About 3 "workout" shirts fit, and I am constantly tugging them down to not look like the trashy girl working out with her belly hanging all over. I have flat out given up on maternity pants for these next few weeks. They can burn in a fire as far as I'm concerned. Shit shall be awkward and uncomfortable for the duration! 

9. The list of things you can't have/do. See also :good sushi, horseradish, caffeine, booze, skydiving, illicit drug use. 

10. Being worried about blowing out my tailbone and ladybits in one fell swoop or having an unnecessary c-section and regretting not going through with "traditional" labor. Or blowing through the former AND having a c-section to boot! 

Here is a nice photo of how he is turned, and why it could be detrimental to my tailbone health (and sitting down ability)

I can't wait to have this kiddo, and come up with a whole new set of lists....hopefully all of them will be cheery displays of the perfect labor!  Cross your fingers for us!

37 weeks pregnant - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

It feels surreal, but we are finally at the crescendo of big baby bumpness : FULL TERM! Having hit 37 weeks, I still feel pretty much the same as 36 weeks and prior....I've been really lucky to feel so good this whole pregnancy. One thing is for sure, I am definitely getting bigger - although I don't feel like baby has "dropped" into my pelvis yet. 

People on the interwebs (Instagram and Facebook, namely) have said that he has dropped, but really I just feel as ginormo as ever!

I have been able to keep up with working out, doing some Jillian and taking long walks (4 miles, a new record this week!) and doing some pilates. I did a quick scan of my workout productivity tracker since I had my heart rate monitor (since 23 weeks) and I have had 41 decent workouts in 12 weeks. I feel pretty proud of how far I've made it, and how much I can kick ass at Jillian 9 months + pregnant. It's sad that I think I am better at Shedding and Shredding this year versus last year...how is that even possible? The pregnant body is an amazing thing.

This past week was pretty special, my daddy came to visit from NY! After a bit of a tussle getting down here (he has no phone, and made a wrong exit in Breezewood and had no mechanism to get in touch *insert annoyance here*) it was great to see him and show off this bump -- I'm his only daughter and it meant something to me to have him see me all huge and preggo before he meets his first grandbaby!

We had the family come over for some barbeque and to see the baby's room as it nears final completion (JUST NEED THE CURTAINS UP BUT THEY ARE BEING WORKED ON!!!!) :D

Meredith and I made sure to take a quick picture , as this is likely the last time we will be pregnant at the same time! Cheers for 2012, it is going to be blessed with beautiful babies!

Grandma Niter filled out some sweetness in the babybook whilst chilling surrounded by her craftiness! Stay tuned for our Etsy shop in a few months. (Seriously)


We also knocked some of the last items remaining on our baby-to-do list. I got my replacement kit for my breast pump in the mail (YAY), made some plans for baby's take home outfit (it's adorable) and met with the pediatrician!

Since I haven't done an SIWWP in a bit -- I thought I would wear my Wrangler self-made lesbian biker vest to the doctor's office. Big hit. 


The pediatrician is about 2 miles away from us, and was suggested to us by a friend (Thanks, Carrie!) I really liked the doctor we met, who is also a lactation consultant, which will help tremendously should we need assistance in the boobs department. 


On Monday I went back to the Doctor -- this is my last appointment while still working. I haven't bitched much about it here (surprisingly enough, with as much as I like to complain sometimes) but my visits have been a real pain in the ass as of late. Emphasis on late. Because I have seen the same Dr., who has late appointments on Mondays, and because my job only allows me to really take late appointments without being penalized with some arbitrary "make up time" I have been stuck having to take the latest appointments possible.  This appointment was at 3:15 and I didn't get seen til 5:00PM. For a 3:15 appointment I have to leave at 2:30 at the very latest to get there on time. 


I understand that there are emergencies, and Mondays are busy, and whatnot...but having to wait upwards of 2 hours to be seen for LITERALLY 10 minutes tops is quite frustrating and mentally draining. This week was jam-packed with bull shittery and prep work for client transitions, conference calls, on top of 7 events and trainings....I AIN'T GOT TIME TO WASTE, DOC! Anyway, vent over. 

pictured : shit to do

I didn't get to have a sincere heart to heart in that 10 minutes I was seen, so I don't really have a solid game plan as to where we are with this ginormo baby, and what my odds really are. 


The only real things known this week are:


1. He's still ginormous
2. At 36 weeks, 4 days I measured 38 weeks, still
3. My pelvis is "adequate" aka not too narrow to allow for a "normal" childbirth...
4. My current "normal" isn't ideal with tailbone, sunnyside, etc
5. I am still 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, so no change there
6. Another growth ultrasound is scheduled for 38 weeks, and more discussions will be made


I broached some csection talk (in minutes 8:30 of 10 spent with the Doc) and determined the following:


1. I can go into labor naturally and they won't suggest induction unless something crazy develops at the next ultrasound
2. If I get to the hospital and baby is in distress/gets stuck/tailbone feels too wonky I can elect for a csection at any time
3. The surgery should be quick and I should supposedly be able to nurse and hold him immediately afterward (this I am not so convinced about)


So, there we have it kids! I'm just in a holding pattern and living life like we're golden. 


I managed to get a super sweet action video of Baby Boy moving and grooving in my belly. (Full disclosure, we had been listening to Weezy)


Since it is connected to Facebook, you'd need to be logged in but can see him in all his glory here:


Baby Lovelace dance party

A number of people have been making guesses on when he will grace us with his ginormous presence so we made "JFF/justforfun" shits & gigs baby pool which can be found here:


How big is Baby Boy Lovelace?

So go get your guessing on, dear readers! I am getting a kick out your suggestions...especially the names! First one to say 10 lbs. gets a side-eye though.

serious face is very serious

How far along? 37 Weeks, hubba hubba!

Total weight gain: A solid and sturdy (Good German Stock) 33.3 lbs
Maternity clothes? NO. I declared this week #teamdress #nopants week. The emancipation/epantsimation week where we veto all things covering our legs. WHY? Just because. I don't think it will become a trending topic on the twitter anytime soon but I did buy 4 dresses from my favorite consignment store and have rocked them all week. Sorry for dumb faces. I look especially miserable in the morning. 

Sweet baby blue sundress for my work shower, where baby got spoiled!

this darling red number, again with favorite stripes, for a sweet $6

let's try to be mellow-yellow...and my favorite blue wedges

and more sweet stripes and 90's "Limited" dresses

Stretch marks? Still have some guys chilling down here...light and purpley. Still hoping they don't decide to multiply/bring a gang of their red friends
Sleep: Is random. Some nights I get about 3 hours it seems..others I can pass out at 9PM, and wake up at 5 and then get another 45 minutes or so before waking up for work. My legs still get heavy/feel like bricks/cramp from being in one position for too long, but I have been getting up frequently to pee so that helps the situation. Excited for next week, being off and not having to wake up a certain time!
Best moment this week: spending time with my lovely family, and counting down the final days of work....especially thankful for a supportive team and some awesome friends I have made at the World of Webinars who made this transition more comfortable and put up with my hormones for these past 90 bajillion months. 
Miss Anything? My pelvic bones not hurting...and my lower back not being as tender...and all these little hurts and pangs of pressure that have suddenly made themselves known. But these are all good signs so I'm happy!
Movement: Per the above sweet video, kid is still kickin up a storm. This is another reason I don't feel like he is "dropped" enough or ready to make his appearance soon! My belly is so large though that my legs splay out when sitting down, and it's like the kid is fully on my lap. It's weird to feel him kick as high as my boobs yet feel his arms (or something) moving down below patting my lap. 

Food cravings: Smoothies, fruit, pineapple, strawberries. MMMMMM.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Some nights, especially on days I have worked out I have noticed I feel a bit period-crampy....nothing too crucial but some pings and pangs that seem semi familiar in that variety.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Alas, none that I can tell. Blood pressure and protein levels are all still fabulous as well. 
Symptoms: Overall pretty fantastic....hips/lowerback soreness here and there. Kendra says I sound like an old man when I get up...it does take me longer to get up but I think that's because I am having some pelvic pain again...She also made fun of my underwear the other day (because they showed through my dress). I have officially given up on caring about pantylines...is that a symptom? Seriously, the size of these huge granny panties..... I can't wait to pack those suckers away. Hanes, not so much my way. Or Hanes, get out of my way. 

Belly Button in or out? flat and weird, flat and weird. My boobs are also still flat, in case anyone is keeping track at home.
Wedding rings on or off? On! Every week I keep waiting to swell. Still doing pretty okay in that frnt. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy! This is the last week of work and I'm full term, so what is there NOT to be happy about??
Looking forward to: Rest and Relaxationville....where I will continue team #nopants.....because I will likely be laid up in the house in my granny panties, straight lounging watching Dr. Phil and balancing red raspberry leaf tea on this bump for the duration...until Mr. Ginormo child makes his debut!


Cheers to (potentially) 3 more weeks of golden pregnancy bliss. Keep sending us those good vibes!

Rationalizations - Fears - Positivity

I knew things would change with pregnancy….I had expected changes – in diet, in what exercises were safe, in what my caffeine intake could safely be, as well as a myriad of hormonal and body changes. I was not prepared, however, for the changes that would take place within my relationships. 

I have not hidden my joy this entire pregnancy. I have been very blessed and lucky to have gotten pregnant as quickly as I did, and to have had the support of a wonderful man throughout. It doesn’t mean I didn’t have fears or questions or looked at this experience as a walk in the park. I didn’t work out the entire first trimester because no one could tell me the stability of my cervix to safely maintain this pregnancy. When we finally got an ultrasound at week 18 – I felt so lucky and thankful that things were progressing and I could start exercising and try to build my body to its fullest potential to be the healthiest  

 possible carrier of this baby. 

With that, I have sought after and (for the most part) maintained a solid emotional support system. Every text, email, call or check-in is really appreciated. Both Glenn and I have wonderful family and friends who couldn’t be more excited for us. It’s opened my eyes to how much the world loves a baby. This child is already loved in so many ways.  

I know I am not the first person to ever get pregnant. I won’t be the last. But this is a first for me.  It’s an amazing, terrifying, frustrating, worrisome, beautiful experience. I know that not everyone will feel the same way, of course they can’t. This is a walk only I can take, shaky and unsure at times.  I have never expected or wanted a parade. I just was not prepared for some of the closest relationships I’ve had over the years fall away to disconnect. 

The same people I had reached to both in times of joy or sadness are not the same people I did a year ago.  Things change, people change. You can only attempt to invest time in relationships for so long until you are left hurt and disappointed. In those “big moment” times in our life, in times of elation or in times of being afraid to your core – you want to keep the people you cherish most close to you.  This pregnancy has opened my eyes to who those people now are. I can no longer put myself in situations, be around people who are hurtful or say purposely mean things. I am responsible to keep myself healthy – both physically and emotionally. 

I am a strong believer in the mind-body connection and think that being around stressful situations has a direct effect on the baby. Current situations have opened my eyes that with every little kick and reminder he’s in there, that I do not need to focus on people and emotions and stress that hurt me. They are only hindering what are some of the most important last weeks of healthy baby growing. Glenn has been really helpful in helping me rationalize the situation, and to remain positive for this baby. He has always been of the “cut the dead weight” variety – it’ s just difficult for me to cut reduce people in my life I genuinely have cared a great deal for. But again, this is not about me. This is about the health of the baby. 

That being said, we have had some trying times as of late. After an amazing 2^nd trimester, working out, eating healthy and feeling genuinely awesome…the 3^rd trimester started with some fears. I had never had any spotting this entire pregnancy. 

Last Thursday morning, I noticed some unusual activity in that department. I called my doctor who told me it should be okay, I shared that because I had a cold and was coughing a lot maybe it could’ve irritated things. So although stressed, the rest of the day went by and we headed to West Virginia to drop the dog off at my mom’s and have dinner.  After some delicious dessert I went to the restroom and….it came back. Now I was scared. Everyone decided it would be a good idea to call the on-call/off-hours doctor. They then paged my doctor who said coupled with my cervix and me being in the 3^rd trimester it could be signs of preterm labor and I should get to the hospital and get checked out at Labor and Delivery. Pre-term labor at 28 weeks?  Terrifying. GBMC is 2 hours from West Virginia. So we hopped in the car and drove to MD. 

Things happen for a reason. It was good to get it checked out before heading off to “babymoon” in NY. I can’t imagine not having things looked into and getting to NY and having to head to the Bronx to get some answers. So we got admitted, which was an interesting experience because they were acting like I may be staying there awhile (yikes). It was a very thorough intake process. They then monitored the baby with a bunch of tracking devices (more like just heartrate), and then the fun began. The RN was pleasant and sweet. Then the PA came in. Off the top she was cold and very authoritative. She called me “miss” in a condescending way (per Glenn) and her bedside manner just didn’t exist. At all. I’m fine with all that and can put up with rude behavior so long as the baby is okay. 

She then gave me the most painful internal exam of my life. Having had cervical concerns this entire pregnancy I have been “checked” before. This was not a simple “check”. This was barbaric. It was everything in me to stay on the table while she told me to pull my legs back so she could get an accurate assessment of my cervix which seemed “really far back”. I was literally shaking and crying on the table, while Glenn sat by traumatized. I couldn’t even look at his face because I didn’t want to remember this horrible pain and experience. She claimed that my cervix blood vessels had broken and that was where it must be coming from, but my cervix was closed so they cleared us to go to NYC. 

She said to come back Monday at 1:00PM for a sonogram to check on my cervix then. I asked why we couldn’t have one that night, because per my own research and the Doctor’s previous guidance the most accurate way of determining cervical stability is via ultrasound – not prodding and constantly invading that area (which can itself cause preterm labor or issues). She said the Doctor would do it Monday. 

So, we went home and tried to get a few hours of sleep before heading to NY. We did genuinely have a great time, despite me being sick and coughing all week and keeping Glenn up at night. Come Monday, I went to my appointment. I shared with my Doctor my L&D experience and he was shocked at the treatment and said he didn’t approve of the “culture” there and had heard way too many issues happening. He is the director of the OBGYN board and has noticed a lot of similar situations and is bringing it up at their meetings. He did an internal exam (painlessly I may add) and verified a closed cervix (yay) and attempted to get me an ultrasound stat…………….but of course my insurance did not allow it. I thought because it was a medically necessary ultrasound that we would have coverage, but Blue Cross/Blue Shield ships me out. The receptionist called all of the locally available radiology clinics and they were all booked. Until Thursday.  It is a very frustrating process to be unsure of the vitality of your own body, and to not have any answers available, or any way to really ascertain how to proceed. COVERAGE DETERMINES CARE. 

So we won’t have any real word until Thursday. I do have a feeling of peace about it, and am trying to remain positive. The doctor said that if my cervix is less than 2.4 cms then it is bedrest time. I have sort of compartmentalized this idea in my head … I am not ready to be on bedrest. Of course I can and will do anything for this baby to stay in place and keep growing these last important 12 weeks…but I am hopeful that we won’t have cross that bridge.   

Thank you to all those people who sent us good vibes and continue to be hopeful for us! We sincerely appreciate all the support we’ve gotten, and are very blessed to have such a warm group of people who love and care for our son. 

More Quilt Craziness....

Niter's craftiness has struck yet again! She is a sewing wizard and got together this doozy in about a week or so....Loving the colors!

Loving it!

I also have been picking up some pillows here and there and got the multicolored (yes I am aware it has pink in it) chevronish for $7.50 at Pier 1. 

I thought the bird painting matched the colors of the quilt and it was only 20 bucks...before anyone is too fearful that we are going too feminine, hold tight. The rest of the room is going to be full of colors and visually appealing elements to even the most masculine of children. Ha. 


And without further ado, look how big I am this week

rocking that boom boom pow

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and with all we have to be thankful for this year, I cannot wait to celebrate with family (all in from NY!). My mom is hosting in West Virginia and I cannot wait to stuff my face and catch up with everyone!  YUM

Cheers to 12 weeks!

Completely thrilled to have crossed this milestone - after 12 weeks, and a visual or audio of the heartbeat, all systems are go! We went to the GBMC Harvey Institute for a Nuchal Translucency screening to make sure Baby Lovelace was a healthy grower at 11 weeks 6 days. 


It was a great experience! Glenn's sister is an ultrasound technician and was pleased we were going to be seen by Dr. Jari and her team (who went to school in Pennsylvania where Regina works with one of Dr. Jari's colleagues). I think it gave us a little bit more "visual time" to share this tidbit with the technician.


Everything looks great! The Nuchal Translucency measurement is at 1.5-1.6, and baby is completely healthy. Anything 2.8+ is a marker for Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. We got a good half an hour or so of time looking at Baby, and the technician was very thorough with detailing the heart, arms, and legs as well as taking many measurements. 


I apparently follow directions too well, the technician said my bladder was ginormous and let me "release" about a cup and a half to be more comfortable. In that time baby had flipped upside-down! It's crazy to see how much they move around. I can't wait to start feeling those movements in these upcoming weeks!

We also shared the news with the world, aka FACEBOOK! It was a very exciting moment to tell everyone, and the enthusiastic feedback makes me smile! It's nice to see how much love is out there for a new baby.

Baby Lovelace's big debut...eating a "burrito" like Erin said :)

12.5% of  my facebook friend population is excited, ha! We also told our respective jobs, so it is good to have that cat out of the bag, or the baby out of the bunting as it were....my boss was supportive and offered to call HR to get me some feedback on the maternity leave policy (as it has been at least 5 years since anyone was pregnant at the company). I am curious and excited to see how the rest of the company will react to the news! One thing is for sure, at least everyone will know what this bulge is, and why I've been drinking all that gross decaf coffee. 

little teeny wiggle worm 

Below is one of my favorites, because you can see the full development of the hand, much like baby is waving at us! Sup Ya'll?! See ya in May!

The shot on the left is taken sorta "head down" so you can see the arm waving, and to the right we see Baby "giving us 5" . I have upcoming standard prenatal visits, and next ultrasound is the anatomy at 18-20 weeks! Stay tuned!

11 weeks and a taco party!

This week I felt like I looked preggo...as in, wow is that a bump for real? One day at work I did a double take in the mirror at my expanding belly. I am not sure if it was the outfit, or my lunch, or what, but I felt all bumplicious!


I kinda feel like my coworkers who aren't in the know, are doing double takes...probably thinking my gym slacking is paying off in a fat way. Soon enough we shall share!


This weekend also brought a cooking party with good friends...the theme was FANCY TACO NIGHT, which was right up my alley. Sheena made a bazillion salsas, and I managed a queso via our pal Emeril. 

cheesey deliciousness

It was so good to eat and be merry with fab lady friends

We nommed on mexican delights and watched the Steelers-Ravens game (boo). I had some delicious German non-alcoholic beer (Thanks Sheena!) and had a blast staying out on a school night. 


Black & Gold Glory weekly pix:

this pic makes me feel like fatty fat 3000 %

Today I had my 12 week appointment - and from here on out until the 36th week things should be pretty routine. Pee in a cup, get my weight and blood pressure taken, and detail any changes happening since last visit. The good news of the day is that my pap came back normal (hooray!), my blood work was fab, and my cervix is apparently free of scar tissue (that the OBGYN can tell at least) thus far so I am free of any restrictions. It was great to meet a doctor I actually liked, who actually smiled and told me congratulations. She also checked for the baby's heart with her doppler and said it sounded great! Love those machines. Up next: the diagnostic screening and (hopefully) our big reveal!