When You're 16 Going on 17...

It really has been a while since I've posted, over a month.  Let's catch up.

I've entered the second trimester.
I've stopped spotting.
I've discovered Pinterest (hence the lack of blogging).
I had a lovely family Christmas.
I'm taking full advantage of being on winter break; vegging in front of the tv, in comfy clothes, with my pups.

I'm somewhere near 17 weeks, like 16wks 6 days.

I finally have an appetite back...which could be a bad thing.  I had another check up, this one with my wonderful NP, last Wednesday and I have now gained.....THREE pounds.  I'm loving that.  It may sound terrible on the other end but I worked my butt off (literally) before I got pregnant to lose weight and I'm still overweight, so I really don't need to gain like most ladies.

I've been taking photos weekly but haven't really organized them yet--I will though.  I have taken a couple shots with normal clothes on...lemme see if I can locate them...

Or one of them.  This is 15 weeks.

I've been in a few times to hear the heart beat, usually per regular appointment, but one extra time in the midst of spotting.

November 25- 162 beats per minute

November 28- 180 beats per minute (much later in the day appointment)

December 21- 165 beats per minute

Next appointment, January 16...the gender ultrasound!  I've been told this appointment will take up to 2 hours.  What on earth will take this long?

Anyhow, I'm feeling much better in general.  While the fatigue has passed the hubs and I are still going to bed in the 8 o'clock hour; I love it!  

I didn't exercise the entire month of November (oh, did I tell you, I got the flu a few weeks ago...way to suck away a weekend) and finally made it outside to walk today with the doggies.  I'm hoping to keep that up (either walk outside, walk at the local high school, or do a video-Walk Away the Pounds).

That's what's new with this chickadee.  I hope to update a bit more often.  Maybe I'll even get those belly shots organized.

Happy New Year. May 2012 be the best yet!

12 Weeks 5 Days

Wow.  Those days in the beginning, where I was feeling especially tired or nauseated, seemed to consume me.  I thought I'd never see the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel.  I've been luckier than most, but it hasn't been a cakewalk.

I had my first real appointment on Friday, Black Friday.  This was one of the weight, blood pressure, heart beat checks.  Weight, up 2 pounds.  The only pounds I've gained so far--whew.  A lady I work with today scared the crap out of me by saying she gained 75 pounds with both of her pregnancies.  IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER.  Oh my weeerd.

Blood pressure also good, well the second time.  I really don't like those darn automatic BP checkers. They hurt!  So done manually my BP was totally normal.

Heart beat also good.  162 bpm.

Then came Sunday night and more spotting.  Not spotting like it had been before.  So of course the worry set in again.

Sent a message to the nurses Monday morning and heard back around noon.  Went in for another heartbeat check after work.  Yes, another one...three days from the first one.  I totally felt like a heel.  But I know I need to get over that.  I'm doing what's best for me and for baby.

Heartbeat on Monday was 180.  Active little bugga.  So things are going well here.  I totally don't feel pregnant.  There's a big disconnect between what I see/hear at the doctor's office and what I feel in my body.  I suppose I should enjoy this now, the peace and normal feeling.

Next appointment is with my NP.  I don't know what to expect.  I wish I knew more what to expect.  It's not until just before Christmas though, lots of time to do some research.

Come January we find out the gender.  Let's hope bugga cooperates.  I've been told to make some of my liquid orange juice so they'll hopefully be a bit more active.

Second trimester is close.  So close.  I know it does not eliminate any real problems but when my risk of miscarriage falls by a huge percentage, I can't help but get excited.