Gender Ultrasound!

And the moment we've all been waiting for: It's a................

.........BOY!! :D I had a feeling with all his kicking around! Haha - Mike and I are beyond excited! Getting to see our little man was a wonderful and emotional experience. He was being super ornery at first and hiding his parts! So the technician and I had to kind of wiggle him around a little bit to get him to uncross his legs. :) When he finally did, she said: "There is NO mistaking that is a boy!" Hehe - Meet Vincent Paul! 

I was constantly being asked which I prefer, a girl or a boy. I really don't have a preference! I'd love to have a girl some day too, but I am beyond excited to be having a son and I am glad he gets to be a big brother! :D
He is such a little ham...I had to include the "foot" "face" ultrasound photo. It made me laugh so hard! When I was a baby, I'd sit and stick my foot in my mouth. There are many pictures. It was great to see him do the same thing! Although in the 3D image, it looks more like he is sniffing his toes. LOL In the last 3D image, he is sucking his thumb. :) 

I am so incredibly in love with our boy! I can't wait to meet him and hold him for the first time. I can't stop looking at the pictures, especially the very first one. 

The cool thing about having a boy, is that Mike's great grandfather is still alive. So once Vince is born, we can take a picture with great great grandpa, great grandpa, grandpa, dad and baby Vincent. :D How often does that happen?! Mike's dad and grandfather are especially excited too, since this will be the first and possibly only boy to carry on the last name, which is very awesome. 

22 Weeks Pregnant

How far along? 22 Weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: According to what I am supposed to weigh by now (based off of what I weighed at the beginning of my pregnancy), I am 14 lbs under the expected weight. Not too worried by it though, since I have been gaining weight back still and my midwife is not concerned either. :) Most likely it's just because of my change in diet and leftover morning sickness. I have now gained nearly 9 pounds since I lost the 13. 

Maternity clothes: I got a few tops and a pair of maternity slacks from one of my friends this week - that was lovely! (If you're reading this, thanks Moosha! :D) I am looking forward to getting some maternity jeans - my other ones still "fit", because they are stretchy, but I have to wear them really low and they slip down....unless I wear a belt, but it's very uncomfortable. 

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: sleep has gotten a little bit better this week, but even the smallest sounds keep me up. Tombstone and Marshmallow (two of our kitties) have been horrible about standing in front of our door yeowling for half an hour every time I return to the room after using the restroom. 

Best moment this week: The Ultrasound :D It was a super cool and emotional experience! I will be making a separate post about it. 

Food cravings: None this week

Anything making you queasy or sick? The famous cough gag and certain smells - if one of our cats recently used the cat litter, I can't be in the room. Because smell ---> cough gag ---> bolting for bathroom ---> lose stomach contents

Gender: As you can see in the picture - it's a BOY! :D 

Labor signs: Nope

Symptoms: I jinxed myself during last week's post! The day of my ultrasound, I got sick three times. >.< I was out of Zofran. Once Mike went to pick it up and I took one, I felt so much better! So I'm still getting sick. Another thing is my tailbone...it hurts SO badly often. If I stand for more than two minutes, when I go to sit down, it feels like it's breaking. I have to ease myself into the chair...I also find if I sit on anything other than the bed, or a couch/armchair, my tailbone starts giving me problems shortly after. I've been having to paint sitting in bed this week in a slightly reclined position, using a wooden board as a table. I can't sit in the office chair anymore because it hurts so badly. It's literally a pain in the a**. lol

Belly button in or out? In for now

Happy or moody most of the time: Super happy this week! :D 

Looking forward to: Decorating/Painting Halloween pumpkins this week with Mike 

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Fur-Babies

As you may have read in the description, Mike and I don't yet have any actual children, but many four-legged ones. I figured I'd dedicate a post to them, considering the fact that we've got quite a zoo at home and our critters are a very big part in our lives. :) I will start with the oldest. 

Chloe (Momma Cat)

Mike found Chloe when he was about 20. She was a homeless turkish angora, following him around after a gig. After asking around, trying to figure out where she could have come from, he decided to take her home. She was bathed and taken to the vet - turns out she was pregnant with 5 kittens. Mike took care of her and eventually helped her birth the kitties, all of which were happy and healthy. Chloe is the most active cat we have, even at about 13 years old. She is very independent, but loves to snuggle.  

Marshmallow (Squishy)

Marshmallow is Chloe's first born. Mike said before the kittens were born, was that he was certain there would be one fully white blue eyed cat, and he wanted to keep her. When she was born, he picked her up and said: "You look like a marshmallow!" Hence the name. We find it to be very fitting. Mike's sister calls her the "sour patch kitty", and it could not be more true; she will be snuggly and sweet one minute and literally tear your hair out the next. And for some reason, she just doesn't know how to meow. She just squeaks. "EEEEEEEHHH!" is the sound that lets us know she wants in our room. She knows I am pregnant - ever since I got that positive test, she has become my shadow. She follows me everywhere and will snuggle up next to me with her paw on my hand, arm or belly. :)

Tombstone (Tombie, Greyfield)

Mike and I adopted Tombstone from Mike's sister Danielle last year. He and I really bonded and he has been a momma's boy ever since. He is also a 15 pound maine coon. He may look like a beast, but he is one of the biggest babies you'll ever meet. His three favorite things are Friskies, sleeping and belly rubs. He is a very vocal cat and I can usually tell by his tone whether he needs more food, wants attention or is attempting to tell me something is not right. He is the only animal allowed in our room, because he doesn't shed much and he never gets into anything. He just climbs up on the bed and sleeps. You can tell if he likes you, because when he does, you can get close to his face and he will give you kisses on the forehead. :3

Killer Jane (Beans)

Mike adopted Killer about 6 years ago from a family who didn't want her when she was just a puppy. Until I met Killer Jane, I had a very strong dislike for Chihuahuas. When I first walked into Mike's house, I was completely overwhelmed by all the barking dogs. But Killer came right up to me and put her paws up on my knee and wagged her tail. I bent down and pet her and we were instant buddies!! She is a very independent dog, but has sooo much love to give! The reason Mike named her Killer, is because she will not play with a toy, she will kill it. She will sit there and gnaw on it until she creates a hole, then tear out all of the stuffing! 

Yoda (Bogie)

Mike adopted Yoda as a puppy too - they bonded right away when Mike first saw him and he picked him out from his brothers and sisters. The name came pretty naturally with his floppy Yoda ears. :D He is such a sweet boy - he will get up on his hind legs and sort of scratch the air with his front paws when he gets excited. It's funny too - normally, you'd think Chihuahuas have a really yippy bark, but Yoda doesn't at all. He has this manly dog bark..and that coming from such a little animal is pretty funny! 

Blog Labels

Hi friends! Just a quick post to let you know about the blog post labels: since I understand that not everyone reading my blog will be interested in certain topics I post about (beauty, reviews etc.), I made a handy-dandy sidebar on the left side of my blog with a list of labels. It has a list of particular topics that I post about, which you can choose to read from. :) 

21 Weeks Pregnant

How far along? 21 Weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: As of today, I've gained back 8 pounds from the 13 I lost in the beginning of my pregnancy

Maternity clothes: Nothing new!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: is nice, when I'm able to get any haha

Best moment this week: Actually seeing the baby move for the first time! It looks so cool - I can't wait until I start seeing little feet pushing against the inside of my belly :D Also, Mike passed his driving test and he got his CDL license today! Yaaay! I am so incredibly proud of him. Now he can start looking for work and we will get things back on track :D 

Miss anything? Not so much this week 

Food cravings: Hmm...one of my friends mentioned grapes last night and I really haven't been able to kick the idea of fresh grapes out of my head! Other than that just pizza haha - I have a feeling that won't change! 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nasty cough and gag - but I am proud to announce, I have not thrown up this week! Woohoo! *knocks on wood till knuckles bleed*

Gender: We find out on Friday, so only two more sleeps! Words can't express my excitement!

Labor signs: Nope

Symptoms: Queasiness and back pain. I've started doing stretches this week in the evenings and they really help! Thankfully, this week has not been very rough :) Hoping I can get a few weeks of break from any really nasty symptoms. (Pleeeease?!)

Belly button in or out? In for now

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy, but very emotional! 

Looking forward to: FRIDAY!! :D

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Halfway There!

How far along? 20 Weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: 146 lbs today. Hopefully the weight actually sticks this time...it fluctuates so much! 

Maternity clothes: Nothing new! But I did dig a pair of old but nice looking yoga pants out of the closet - they look like black slacks and they are sooo much more comfortable! They are a little tight since I have had them since I was...gosh...15 I think? But they will work until I can get some comfy maternity jeans. :)

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Eeehhhh...it's been okay. I have been struggling with insomnia a bit this week. I'm starting to get very uncomfortable when I sleep and I just can't seem to find a good position

Best moment this week: Hitting the halfway mark in my pregnancy! I could not be more excited :D Bean is kicking like crazy and growing like a weed!

Miss anything? My band shirts. I tried to put one on yesterday...noooot happening. So I've been wearing Mike's band shirts instead, even though they are about two sizes too big for me!

Food cravings: This bean could not be more Mike's baby. My cravings for Tombstone pizzas are completely through the roof. >.< Why can't I crave healthy foods?! (Besides bananas)

Anything making you queasy or sick? The gagging is back - I think I jinxed myself! So yes, still gagging and smells. Not to be a pessimist, but I have come to terms with the fact that this issue will most likely follow me for the rest of my pregnancy. 

Gender: Unknown...just 9 more days!! :D

Labor signs: Nope!

Symptoms: I wish soooo badly that I could say I haven't thrown up this week. Unfortunately I can't! Still morning sickness and occasional leg cramps. I keep forgetting to go to the health food store to get magnesium tablets...then when I get the cramps I get mad at myself for not doing so! Usually they sneak up during the night. Also back pain, but I am so used to that from previous issues that it isn't as big of a deal. Usually using a heating pad for a little bit relieves the pain pretty quickly. :)

Belly button in or out? Still in, but I have a feeling it might pop out in the coming weeks.

Happy or moody most of the time: Pretty happy :) I love that I am feeling the baby move more. When I am in a grumpy mood and feel that baby kick, it puts me in a good mood! 

Looking forward to: The gender scan!! :D

Here is another picture we took today - I saw this on Pinterest and HAD to do it! :D 

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19 Weeks Pregnant

How far along? 19 Weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: I was 143 at my midwife appointment and I am 145 today! So I've gained 5 pounds back. Hopefully it's here to stay this time around! My app says that I should have gained about 10 pounds by now. Ummm...whoops?

Maternity clothes: Nothing new - I prefer yoga pants for the post part really. I have a bunch of the exact same pair, so I hope nobody thinks I'm wearing the same clothes for days in a row! Although I admit that does sometimes happen... ;D 

Stretch marks? None yet!

Sleep: I've been getting pretty good sleep lately actually. I still wake up several times in the night, but I haven't had much problems getting back to sleep. I've been avoiding naps during the day, because it seems to make my sleep schedule worse. It's difficult feeling tired most of the day, but it's not worth it when I'm up all night!

Best moment this week: Getting negative blood test results! There were no birth defects detected :D I got the call yesterday and was so relieved! Also hearing bean's heartbeat at the appointment! It was at 160 again.

Miss anything? My appetite. It has slooooowly been creeping back. Hopefully it will be back in full swing by Thanksgiving!

Food cravings: Nothing in particular this week. In the mornings I've been favoring English muffins with a little butter on them, because they are easy on my stomach. Can't think of anything else though.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Smells still. The coughing which turns into a gag has really let up this week, which is WONDERFUL!  

Gender: Unknown, but we made the appointment for our ultrasound! It is on the 25th of October and I will be 21 weeks. We can't wait!

Labor signs: Nope!

Symptoms: Nausea, fatigue and headaches. The gastritis REALLY let up this week, and I could not be more grateful. It was so incredibly painful! The vomiting has also really let up! I don't want to get too excited too soon, because I know it can come right back, but I am hoping to get a bit of a break from it for a while!

Belly button in or out? Still in

Happy or moody most of the time: I've been a little moody this week! I find myself especially annoyed when the dogs start barking...it really sets me off. I feel like they are actively trying to prepare me for motherhood. xD lol

Looking forward to: Hitting the halfway mark next week!

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18 Weeks Pregnant

Good grief what a week this has been. I've been sick with a nasty cold and also ended up in the ER, which is why there was no chalkboard picture last week. Sorry about that! :/ 

How far along? 18 Weeks

Total weight gain/measurements: I had gone all the way up to 146! I was so excited, then stepped on the scale Monday and was all the way down to 141. This was after my visit to the E.R. I am still 141 today - my appetite has been pretty low and I know being sick with the cold didn't help. We will see what my midwife says tomorrow.

Maternity clothes: I found yesterday that I still fit in my jeans! For now! lol - But I have to wear them so low under my belly that I actually have to wear a belt to keep them from sliding down! So I will be getting some maternity jeans soon, now that it is getting a little cooler. 

Stretch marks? None yet!

Sleep: To my surprise, the only thing that is good right now is my sleep! Mike and I have been going to bed at the same time, fairly early and are both up by 7. I do get up at night several times to use the restroom, but I haven't had any trouble falling back to sleep. I also haven't been needing to get up at night for a snack anymore. Even though I want to most of the time, I haven't been taking naps during the day lately, just because I don't want to mess up my sleep schedule!

Best moment this week: Seeing baby on the ultrasound machine! I was doing so terribly and was very, very afraid that the baby was not okay. A gigantic boulder dropped off my shoulders when I saw that strong heartbeat! 

Miss anything? A normal sized bladder!

Food cravings: Ritz crackers. Not really a craving, but more a food that actually stays down! Everything I crave right now would not sit well in my stomach at all.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Same as before - smells and the need to cough. 

Gender: Unknown 

Labor signs: Nope!

Symptoms: As you read before, I went to the ER this week. I had been having stomach pain since around 4 o'clock that afternoon and it got progressively worse throughout the night, until it was almost unbearable. Mike and I headed to the ER around midnight and were there till 4 AM. I was put on an IV drip for fluids, since I had been vomiting and was given a small dose of morphine for the pain. The baby is 100% healthy and well! Thank God - words cannot express how thankful I was when I saw that little heart beat. I ended up being diagnosed with gastritis, which is an irritation of the stomach lining. I am guessing this could be from the frequent vomiting. Also, I was diagnosed with another UTI, which I am now on antibiotics for for the next week. I've still got the morning sickness, but am beginning to wonder if it is related to the gastritis or UTI. We will have to see once both clear up!

Belly button in or out? Still in

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy that baby bean is okay! I do get very weepy and emotional but for the most party I am pretty happy.

Looking forward to: My appointment tomorrow! Hope we finally make the appointment for my gender ultrasound! 

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