10 weeks 3 days

Somehow coming "home" to visit family is even sweeter now that I'm gonna be a mom. I don't really know how... but it's true. I imagine mine and Andy's parents with him/her. Who will they look like? How often will we be able to come to MS and how often will family visit us in Houston? I hope lots and lots!! I want my kids to know their grandparents!

Being here also makes me think forward to Christmas. I really can't wait for Christamas with children. The excitement of Santa and teaching them about the Christmas story - how fun! I will have to make a baby stocking to match our stockings! Of course, I haven't made ours yet either. But next week I'm going to class to learn how to make them. Hopefully class will teach me more about sewing in general and I can use that to make more baby stuff. I already have TONS of ideas of things to make - now to make it happen!

ps - about the baby this week: we are growing fingernails and toenails; we are growing from the size of a prune to the size of a lime; and we are turning flips and somersaults :)

9 weeks 1 day

Alright, for right now I am feeling pretty good. It's been a little touch-and-go with the nausea thing. Some days are better than others. As long as I'm busy and not thinking about it, it's better. I did pick up some vit B6 candies that are supposed to combat the morning sickness. I had to order them from CVS (although not a prescription) and got them in today. A word to the other preggos thinking of trying them: do not get green apple! The cherry ones are ok, but green apple is gross - which doesn't seem to help with the funky feeling you have already.

Also, I found this cool website: http://www.ingridandisabel.com/ They have these things called BellaBands. So neat! They go under a shirt over your expanding belly and will help to hold up your favorite jeans (that you now wear unbottoned). Best part? You can't even tell!! Looks like you have on a layered tank top under your shirt. I'm definitely getting one soon. I haven't gained but a few pounds so far, but my belly seems to be expanding already! The only thing that is comfy are my stretchy yoga pants and summer knit dresses.

On another note, I'm gearing up for another day of work tomorrow. Lately I seem to have to psych myself up for going. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret telling an overwhelmed mom that I can keep her two & four year old 3 days a week... but my energy levels are not really up to par these days. I find myself trying to talk them into watching a movie or sitting in my lap for story time much more lately. I guess that's okay some, but I'm finding that after a few hours of quiet activities they're ready to bounce off the walls. Guess I'm learning about mommyhood early! Lots of activity in the morning = good naps and a better afternoon for the nanny.

Well, better go pack a lunch. Or some pretzels and trail mix anyway.

Galveston

Well, today my baby went to the beach for the first time. I'm hoping to start him/her early so they will share my love for the ocean! Not that Galveston is the prettiest of places, but as long as you don't actually put your feet on the yucky brown sand and instead just look at it, it's not so bad. Plus, The Strand is fun for shopping and taking in all of the historical buildings in town. I think the reason I feel so at home near the water is the laid-back atmosphere. Everyone is wearing flip flops and ponytails and feeling super friendly. Makes me want to buy a house near a pretty beach, open a daquiri stand, and be a beach bum!!

Today has been another lazy and nauseating day. Brushing my teeth is now torture and everytime I think something sounds good enough to eat, I find myself even more nauseated after eating it!
On a happier note, Andy just got home and we are discussing his MBA options. I know he is excited and probably a little nervous to think about going back to school. But I am so proud of him! He has talked about starting his MBA since we moved to Texas. Now with the baby coming in mid February, he is feeling the pinch to go ahead and get a head start on it. At least he could have one semester down by February. Lots of things happening in the Nichols household!!

Dr. Visit

We saw the Doc today. After peeing in a cup and other unmetionable examining, we finally got to see the baby!!! The nurse in the room pointed out that it is the size of a gummi bear. Oh, how sweet. We have a gummi bear! And she/he did look somewhat like a gummi bear. (We will just call it a she for now). Dr. Rizutto kept pointing to stuff like the yolk sac and the amniotic sac and the umbilical cord, but I couldn't see any of it! I, of course, shook my head like I knew exactly what she meant. I mean, how could I tell her that it really just looked like a furry blob to me? BUT THEN I saw the flicker she kept talking about. It was the heartbeat!! Awww! It was so special to see that my baby's heart was beating. All the nervousness and fear that I had pent up in me for weeks melted.
So, here I am thinking of my little gummi bear. Hoping that the time will pass quickly so I can meet her. Next ultrasound will be in 4 1/2 weeks and I can see her again. Can't wait.

Goodnight gummi bear.

Week 7

Ok, so by week 7 my boobs are supposed to be getting bigger, the baby is almost 1/2 an inch, and food is an abomination. Check, check, and check. I like the boobs part, but this nausea has got to go. I went to the store last week and only came home with goldfish, crackers, pretzels, and sour straws candy. Today the trip went better. Lots of food (m&m cookies, cheetos puffs, pineapple, more goldfish, etc) but nothing to make actual meals. Uh, meat - ewwww! Sorry, Andy, you're on your own!
Tomorrow is our first ultrasound. Yay! I am so excited to see the little guy/girl/shrimp-like being. Too bad we can't tell what sex it is just yet. I may be a little ahead of myself but I'm already planning princess murals, names and colors for the nursery! Maybe I should at least get through tomorrow...