Happy New Year

Evelyn is about 2 1/2 weeks old now! Nate and I can't believe how quickly she is changing. Her facial features are getting more defined, her little body is growing, and her hair, unfortunately, is starting to thin out.

We are on yet another feeding plan, but this one seems to be working very well. I am no longer pumping (hallelujah!!), and my milk has come in (mostly). We are still supplementing with formula. This has allowed Nate and I to alternate the nighttime feedings. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that means we are getting about 6 hours of interrupted, but not getting out of bed, sleep a night! What a huge difference!

We have also managed to stay away from doctors and nurses this past week. It is nice to enjoy time with our healthy baby girl.

Evelyn loves to spend time with us, even if it is sleeping in the same room as us. She especially loves tummy to tummy time with her daddy while he plays video games. She has gotten so strong this week! She is lifting her head off Nate's chest and will control her head for short times while she is held upright.

Here is a picture of Evelyn resting while I blog:

Ten Days Old

Whew! Ten days have already gone by, can you believe it?! Evelyn is such an incredible little person. Her facial expressions crack us up (especially her Popeye face!). We are learning her queues, which is making life a little easier on her and us. Here is a link to her website: http://evelynsdecemberbirthdayphotos.shutterfly.com/

We are on a different feeding program now, which is working out well. I am still trying to do a small amount of breast feeding (to remind her how and to prevent a lot of soreness), feed her formula, and pump any extra she didn't get out (to feed her later). We have rented a hospital grade pump in hopes it will help bring in my milk. We will see how this goes; we are giving it another week.

Evelyn is off the billibed! Her jaundice has gone away, and she is back up to her birth weight. We are all happy about this!!

Also, her check up at the orthopedic doctor went well. Her left hip is considered "loose" but not "unstable". She will have a follow up appointment to get an ultrasound in a month. The doctor is optimistic it will fix itself.

We had a funny experience at Babies R Us the other day. We stopped by to pick up a few items, but Evelyn needed to be changed while we were there. I took her to the changing room. Poop explosion. Whoa. As I lifted up her feet and hips to wipe her, she peed. Pee went all over her onsie, the changing table, the dirty diaper. I had to strip her down, give her a little "bath" with wet wipes, and put her in a new diaper. Not predicting this type of naughtiness, I had not put a spare onsie in the diaper bag. Evelyn spent the rest of the shopping trip in just a diaper. Lesson learned.

Evelyn helps us keep our sense of humor.

Merry Christmas! I hope you keep your sense of humor this holiday season and enjoy the small things.

Evelyn Minnette has arrived!

Evelyn was born on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 12:47am. She was 7 pounds and 1 ounce and 21 inches long. Beautiful. The most incredible person I have ever met.

Nate was absolutely fantastic during labor and delivery. He never left my side and didn't sleep a wink. He also gave me surprise gifts throughout the process.

Daddy with brand new Evelyn

We all went home that day, healthy and happy! I am recovering well; moving around and eating well.

Evelyn has had a little more then normal weight loss resulting from a difficulty of mine to produce enough milk for her. We are supplementing my milk with formula and feeding her often. Her weight has already risen to normal levels after only 24 hours on the new feeding plan.

First bath

She also has high Bilirubin levels. This causes jaundice. Every baby gets some jaundice after birth; Evelyn's levels are just a little high for her age. She is doing a 24/7 treatment of sleeping on a light bed. She is very comfortable and getting better very quickly!

Finally, she has an appointment this week to get her hip checked out. Since she was breech, her hip may have developed in a way that allows it to go in and out of its socket. This does not hurt her at all right now. We will see if she will need to wear a brace for a few months until her muscles develop enough to hold her leg in its place.

Olivia, our dog, has done quite well with Evelyn. We let her sniff Evelyn and get close to her without licking her. Really, Olivia is more afraid of Evelyn then the other way around.

All in all, we are one incredibly happy family. We are savoring the time we have together as we bond and grow closer. I know that sounds cheesy, but I have never been happier in my whole life.

Nursery Photos

The nursery is now complete, minus one bundle of joy!

Full Term

Ok, so I have not been a good blogger this last month! A lot has happened since I last wrote.

We have been worried that my placenta was too close to my cervix (aka the exit route). So, at every ultra sound, the doctor has been measuring the distance between the two. At the third ultra sound, the doctor gave me the good news that my placenta was far enough away :) and the bad news that Evelyn is breech. I was crushed. I have been very worried that I was in for an involuntary C-section with the placenta problem. Now that one thing was clear, another problem creeped up. She gave me a recommendation for a doctor in another part of the hospital and some exercises to do.

I went back the next week with Nate, and the doctor confirmed that Evelyn was still breech. She decided it was time to schedule the C-section. That same day, we went to see the specialist for another ultra sound and a consultation. The doctor said Evelyn and I are ok to try to manipulate the baby into the correct position.

I few days later, I was checked in for an external version. Evelyn and I were monitored and I was ultra sounded again. And of course Nate was there for support! There is a 50% chance the doctor is able to manipulate the baby into the correct position within 3 tries and a 1% chance the baby will stress out so badly that I will required an emergency C-section. The doctor was able to flip Evelyn on the first try!! :) It was not painful, but extremely uncomfortable. Also, it was very quick; only about 1-2 minutes. Evelyn and I were monitored for an hour, then sent home. (or to Denny's since I had not gotten to eat yet!)

We have been back to the doctor since, and everything is looking great! The C-section is canceled! I feel very different now that she is in a different position. Her butt was so much softer in my pelvis then her head. She also has more room for her legs and arms to move around. Before, her head and her feet were pressing into my ribs. I am now breathing a lot easier, in more than one way! So far, I have not started to dilate. I am due one week from Monday.

The nursery is coming together very nicely. Nate and Roger (his Dad) will pick up the glider chair tomorrow. We also have a little bit of decorating to do. The world theme is out the window, but her room looks super cute like it is!! I will post pictures when it is all put together. I will also post a picture of me soon to. You will not believe how big my tummy is!! It is really hard to get around these days!

We are so excited about our family coming out to visit! We are super thankful for the support.

Ultra Sound Picture

Look at those cheeks!!

The Ninth Month is here!

Can you believe it? Everyone says this is the longest month, and a part of me hopes this is true. The past two months have been going by so quickly that I fear I will not have time to get everything done in time.

First, TIF's progress. She has a name! Evelyn Minnette Kundtz! She is still The Incredible Fetus, just one rock star fetus with a name. She is up to about 6 pounds this week according to my book. I have another ultrasound on Tuesday, so I think I will get an up dated weight. This will be my last chance to see her before she comes. Nate and I have taken a labor and delivery class the past two weekends. We have learned so much!! In case you are like me and never done this before, apparently the stuff you see in the movies and on tv is not true at all. If nothing else, the class has started a lot of conversations. We have a good idea of our birthing plan, which we will keep changing and updating until Evelyn gets here.

I had a great baby shower! Thank you for everyone who attended (or sent gifts). I am sorry the online shower did not work out. Hold on to that link and maybe we can do something in the future. Here are a few pictures (more on facebook to come).

Checking things out. What do you think, Bradley? Will Evelyn like here new toy?

Does it fit?

We have just hired a new paralegal at work to be a permanent employee, but also help out while I am out. I need to teach her everything I know about bankruptcy and my ~20 cases in about a month. I am not sure who has it harder- her or me! Nate and I have met a new couple at church who has just had a baby this past week. She intended on taking a few days off work before having her kiddo, but ended up working a whole day, going to bed, and starting labor at 3am. She had her baby boy about 24 hours later. Needless to say, she was exhausted!! I don't want to end up in this situation, so I am thinking about a good time to start my maternity leave. It will be tough to leave my clients that I have been working with for months.

So, I have been a busy lady! I apologize for being slow to posting on the blog and facebook. Keep in mind that you will get to hear about and see pictures of just about everything... eventually! :)

Week 34

I am sorry to say that I do not have any great adventure for TIF this week. She is in there doing her thing, getting bigger a cuter every day. The only update I have is her fingernails have almost grown to the ends of her fingers.

On a different note, Nate and I have a great vacation this weekend as a couple! We went to Bainbridge Island (about a hour away). We walked around state parks and gardens and explored their little downtown. We even got a little something to decorate TIF's room.

Week 33

This week TIF is growing up to 4 1/2 pounds and will continue to grow 1/2 a pound a week this month! This means I will be growing 1/2 a pound per week this month!! I don't know where I am going to fit all this extra weight. TIF will also be getting antibodies from me to start to build her immune system. Which reminds me that I need to get my flu shot.

Nate and I went to a Car Seat Safety class last night. It was really helpful in navigating through all the facts I have heard from family and friends. It was also nice to hear "less is more" in terms of the products we will need to buy. Turns out, car seats themselves are meant to hold a baby! No padding, no mirrors, no cup holders needed. Nate did ask about Olivia in the back seat. The teacher says she needs to be secured. Looks like we will be going to the doggie car seat class too! ;)

By the way, the registry is now complete! We are registered at Babies R Us. It feels good to have that done!! It is a totally different experience then setting up the wedding registry.

The Eighth Month/ Week 32

Today marks the first day of the eighth month! Can you believe it? TIF is almost 4 pounds and 19". (We won't go into my dimensions!). She is practicing her breathing, sleeping, kicking, and sucking. I notice when I go to the movies she really responds to the loud sounds. As for me, I have been having hip and back pain. Walking and yoga really help. I haven't been able to remember things quite as well lately, but it is far better then it was in the first trimester!

Nate and I can't believe it is getting so close! We have not started nesting yet, but we are working on our registry and figuring out what we need. There are WAY too many choices! I am so happy when there are only two types of somethings (ex: diapers- cloth or disposable?).

Also, we have not come up with a name yet, but we are close. We will reveal it when we have it just right!

I had an ultrasound to recheck the position of my placenta in relation to my cervix (sorry gentleman readers). It looks like I will not have to do a C-section, but they are going to do one more ultrasound in about a month just to make sure. My glucose test came back normal as well. All good news! I was really worried about that visit.

Here is a picture of her now. Look at how much she has grown!

This is a view of her profile. Her nose is pointed up, her forehead is on the left. It looks like she is blowing bubbles. Don't worry if you have trouble seeing her; it's kinda like looking at a Magic Eye picture. 

And here is a picture of me!

Week30

This is a big week for TIF and I! TIF's brain is in full developing mode. It will be shaping itself with grooves and indentations as well as taking over some functions of the body. For example, it will begin to regulate TIF's body temperature. This action along with TIF's growing supply of fat will allow her to shed the baby fuzz covering her body.

As for me, I have another ultrasound this week. The doctor will be checking on her development and also be checking to see if I will require a C-section. I had a glucose test on Saturday, so I will get the results back at my doctor's visit too. They are checking for Gestational Diabetes. I don't think I am at risk for this.

In the mean time, I have been getting a little exercise, walking and yoga, to help me sleep and alleviate back pain. My ballet classes have started back up again too! My goal this week is to start a baby registry. If this thing is not started in a few weeks, you guys have full authority to give me a hard time about it.

Weeks 28 and 29

The third trimester has been great so far. TIF is growing up to 17" in length from head to toe and up to 3 pounds. Last week, she practiced her blinking and started REM sleep. This week, she will be putting on some fat. She will need to double her weight in the next 2 1/2 months. I can't believe how quickly time is going by.
TIF and I will be going back to dance again tonight! Exercise for me equals a good night sleep and a healthy and smart baby. We have finally cleared out the adult furniture from the nursery, and we are ready to start nesting! We have been looking on craig's list and stores to find the perfect bedroom set. A registry will be put together soon. Dianne and Julie have been so nice to host a baby shower for me next month. If anyone is interested in attending electronically, let me know.

Weeks 26 and 27

Well, the second trimester is coming to an end after this week! I can't believe it! TIF is weighing in just over two pounds now. From head to toe, she measures 15"- big enough, if you ask me. Her eyes are starting to open so she can react to light. Also, she has more taste buds now than she will ever have again in her life! I am not sure why her sense of taste is so heightened right now. But, this means she will respond to what I am eating. I think she likes the sweets....

Between my growing belly and the stretching of my muscles, I have been experiencing some lower back and hip pain. Nothing major, it's just uncomfortable. I think walking more will help. My dance classes will start back up again in a few weeks too. Also, my feet have begun their infamous swell. I have been drinking lots of fluids and keeping my feet lifted. Other then that, I am felling good! I have not had any weird cravings or big mood swings.

Nate and I have been thinking about the nursery these past few weeks. I visited a baby store last weekend to look at cribs, dressers, and gliders. There are so many options! I will eventually put together a registry; if for nothing else, a shopping list for us! A charity will be by in a couple weeks to take the last of the adult furniture out of the nursery so that we can start filling it up for our little girl!

Week 25

This week TIF will be growing up to 9" in length. While her weight will not be increasing very much this week, she will still be busy growing. She will develop capillaries under her skin and air sacs in her lungs. She will not be able to breathe until she is delivered, but she will be practicing. Her nostrils will open up and her vocal cords are functioning. This is kind of a weird thought, but I don't think she will make any sounds in there...

I am feeling really good these days. I am used to moving with a big belly (it is no longer easier to get through a tight spot by turning sideways). I am sleeping through the night with minimal wake ups now that I have learned how to get comfortable. I am really watching what I eat since little TIF is developing her palate. But yes, she will like ice cream, just like her mom :) Sometimes my belly is sore from stretching out so quickly, but I am trying to stay comfortable by keeping moisturizers handy.

This morning at church, TIF was really getting into the hymns! Dancing queen! Nate even got to witness one of her big kicks. It is so incredible to be able to feel her move around! I like to picture her face from the ultrasound picture and imagine what she will be like when she is ready to meet us.

Nate and I will be in Durham, NC all this week, so the next blog post will be delayed. See you in Week 26!

Week24

This week TIF will grow to be 8 1/2" long and 1 1/2 pounds! She will gain 6 ounces this week as she puts on some fat and develops her bones and organs. She is also hard at work on her good looks- eyelashes, hair, and eyebrows come in this week! Watch out boys!

I am felling really good at this stage. TIF is super active during the day (and night). She is practicing for the olympics, I think. I am a very light sleeper now, waking up about 5 or 6 times a night to turn over due to an achy back or hip or to go for my nightly bathroom break. I still have way more energy than I did the first trimester. My book says this is good practice for me for when the baby comes.

TIF can taste everything I eat now, so I am always thinking before I eat. Did anyone hear the story about this on NPR this morning? I think it is so cool. TIF is definitely going to love fruit after she is born. I eat about two pieces of fruit a day plus 2 or 3 glasses of juice a day. Maybe I should eat more veggies...

TIF took her "first swim" in the pool yesterday and will be going on her "first flight" next week. Very exciting times for her! Swimming was so nice- I felt so light! In the mean time, TIF enjoys listening to statutes and NPR. Hey, it worked for Olivia!

Week 23

I have no entered into the sixth month, which is the last month in the second trimester. This week TIF is working on building up some fat. Right now, her skin is loose and a little see through. Her fat buildup will continue through the eighth month. Cute baby cheeks, anyone? (And yes, I mean the ones on her face and her bottom!)

There is no question I am pregnant. I find it no longer advantageous to turn sideways to get through narrow places. Everywhere I go I am getting a little unsolicited advice. I will get better at deflecting or accepting it. I just never know what to say. Fortunately, people don't touch my belly!

I will have my next doctor's appointment in a month and another ultrasound one month after that. In the mean time, I keep eating all day long. ... And try to limit my sweets!

Here is a recent picture of my belly:

Week 22

This is the last week in the fifth month. TIF will grow to one pound and 8 inches! This week she will be working on her senses- touch, sight, hearing, and taste. My book says I might get a reaction from her if I shine a flashlight on my belly. I haven't tried this yet.

I have been researching cribs and changing tables this weekend. There are so many ways for a baby to die! It definitely freaks me out, but then I remind myself how rare these deaths are. I can't wait to set up her room. Getting the furniture will make it feel even more real.

So, I don't have another doctor's appointment for another month. Then, I will have another ultrasound one month after that appointment. In the mean time, Nate and I are going to sign up for some classes at the hospital.

It's a...

GIRL! We have a beautiful, healthy little girl. Everything on the ultrasound looked "perfect". Here are a few pictures:

She is giving us a big yawn! Her head is on the right, left arm is across her chest, torso on the left. 

Now she has her left hand in a fist over her nose. You can really see her right eye and her lips here. 

And now a couple little videos:

The top video is her squirming around. The bottom video is my personal favorite. The head is on the right with the torso on the left. You can't see any arms and legs, but you can see her little heart beating at 143 beats/ minute. And she is doing a little dance!

Week 21

I would like to start off by apologizing for missing last week's blog. I thought I did it, but it was only in my mind.

This week, TIF will grow to 7 inches and 11 ounces! So big! He or she will learn to swallow this week (I won't get into the details), so what I eat will be a big life changer for him or her. He or she will be able to taste the things that I eat. So, it is really important for me to eat healthy so the baby will like healthy foods. Also, its arms and legs are in proportion and cartilage will be turning into bone. Bone. That is really weird to me. Something soft and squishy inside me is ok, but something with bone is just too... hard? It is really turning into a human.

Also this week, on Thursday, we will go in for the ultrasound. Nate and I have been really excited to see the baby and find out the sex! But also, we are a little nervous about finding something wrong. More than a boy or girl, we are hoping to find a healthy little baby. I will try to remember to post the sex on Thursday night. You are welcome to bombard my email until I do!

Happy Fourth of July and Week 19!

This week, TIF is growing to be the size of a large mango! He or she will reach 1/2 a pound and 6". TIF is growing so fast! And so am I! There is no hiding the basket ball under my shirt these days. Seems like the bump appeared over night.

The most amazing thing happened last week: I felt the baby move for the first time! I few days later, Nate was able to feel it too! One morning in the shower, when I was really hungry, I felt and odd feeling at my belly button. I looked down to see my belly button being pushed on! It was the wildest thing I have ever seen.

Nate and I are going to the doctor in a few weeks for the ultrasound. We are super excited to find out the sex. We will most definitely tell everyone the sex, but we haven't decided when to announce any names. We are far from deciding on a name right now.

I am still dancing and trying to get a little exercise in everyday. The exercises in my book are super easy, but it says it will help with the delivery. I think I should get into a good routine sooner rather than later. All my bad pregnancy symptoms have gone away, and I am feeling very good these days!

Week 18

Alright, to pick up with our food comparisons, TIF will grow to the size of a chicken breast this week. Five inches and 5 ounces. He or she will also be developing fingerprints! How cool is that?! So many details are coming into place. His/her mission for the week is to learn how to yawn and hiccup. Why hiccup, I do not know. I may be able to feel some movement this week! I have been trying to focus on it, but I think I am just feeling digestive things. It would help if I could go without eating for a few hours!

"But how is she feeling?" you are all wondering (I know this because it is the #1 question I get). Well, I am feeling just fine. My memory is in tip-top shape, nausea still lingers but mostly gone, energy level is at 80%. Pretty good I think. The pollen season is coming to an end, so I am much less congested.

I read in my book this weekend that 30 minutes of exercise a day will make labor shorter and make the baby sleep better, be smarter, be more fit, and less colicy. So, I guess it is a lot of exercise for me. I wonder if my 4 hour hike on Sunday can be rationed out this week....

I had a doctor appointment last Thursday. Everything is going well. The doc says my weight and blood pressure look good and the baby's heartbeat sounds good. She got the heartbeat on the first try, by the way.  She said it is because the baby is getting bigger, but we were still impressed! The next appointment will be in late July and will be THE APPOINTMENT. So, do your ancient, wive's tale, voodoo and tell me what you think I am having- boy or girl? I have my guess and Nate has his.

Week 17

This week TIF is not growing any longer, but is getting thicker! He/she is still about 5" long, but is starting to get baby fat. (I'm sure the French meal I had tonight is helping with this!) TIF's task this week is to learn how to suck, so he/she can be ready to eat in its own. Also, TIF heart rate is controlled by its brain now at a steady 140-150 beats per minute. That's about twice my heart rate.

I am feeling very good these days in terms of the first trimester symptoms. It is, however, my first pollen season in Washington. I am very congested most days. So, maybe after the pollen season is over, I will feel 100% again. Fortunately, my stomach is doing great and my memory is back!

Today, Nate got to celebrate father-to-be day! I got him a small gift of two books: Geek Dad and How to be Prepared. Appropriate, huh? He can't wait to do the science projects with the baby!

A couple pictures from Week 16

Week 16

This week TIF will be bulking up. He or she could get up to 5 oz. and 5". The face is fully in place now, and the eyes will start to look around. The eyelids are not open yet, but it's good practice for the real world. My book says the baby will become aware of light, but I'm not sure how much light is getting in there....

I am feeling well. My memory gets better with every day. A weird side effect of pregnancy is nasal congestion, which I have been experiencing. It is not helping it's pollen season too. I think I may have pulled or over stretched a muscle in my lower back in ballet class. It's challenging in class to do some of the steps because my joints have loosened up so much.

I have finally gone to the craft store and found some cute maternity patterns! There are not many to choose from, but here they are (all Burda): 7528, 7527, 7630, 7526. These patterns have two different articles of clothes in each; I like them all. I usually wear green, purple, pink, blue, grey, and brown. I like earthy colors and muted colors a lot. Material that looks professional and is stretchy is preferable. If you would like to make something, but need my measurements, just let me know. I would rather email those to you then post them on the Internet.

As far as knitting or sewing for the baby- anything goes! We will not know the sex of TIF for another 5 weeks. The nursery will have a theme of world travel (think maps and international monuments). Colors are to be determined.

Ahhh... Second Trimester!

I feel human again! It is wonderful to have a little more energy, a little more memory, and practically no nausea. If it weren't for the bump out in front, I would say I wasn't even pregnant. I have noticed my joints are getting looser. I had a lot of trouble in ballet class tonight; I will need to figure out my limits again.

TIF will grow to the size of a navel orange this week as my uterus (sorry male followers) grows to the size of a small melon and starts to move up. TIF is kicking and stretching, but I can't feel anything yet. Its ears have moved up from his/her neck and its eye have moved to the front of the face from the sides of the face. Kinda fish-like, if you ask me.

Thank you for all the interest in making clothes and accessories. I will try to get to the craft store this weekend to do some research on patterns. I have seen some really cute things in stores; maybe I can find some links of pictures to show you.

On a side note, I have heard you cannot comment on the blog. Is anyone else having this problem?

TIF is asking for a bigger room

I have finally gone shopping for maternity clothes today! I am noticing I show more in my new clothes, given my belly has freedom to hang out as far as it wants. I am already excited about the amount of food I will be able to consume on Thanksgiving without the awkward unbuttoning of my pants. But why wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy this new freedom? I am eating for two, you know.

I have another visit to the doctor on Thursday. Nate will be able to come as well and hear the heart beat for the first time. We are hoping Dr. Dydell will use the ultrasound again. I want to see my dancing hamster again!

This weekend marks the end of the first trimester! My symptoms will be lessening now as this is to be the most comfortable trimester. I am looking forward to less nausea, more energy, and the return of my memory. TIF will grow to the size of my closed fist, will straighten out his/her neck, and hold its head up. Also, a soft coating of fur will grow to keep him/her warm (baby fat will come later).

I have been looking online for clothing patterns for me and baby without any success. After a trip to the craft store, I will be able to post some pattern numbers for those who are asking if they can make something.

Week 12

I am going into week 12. This week, TIF will grow to the size of 2 1/2" and 1/2 an ounce. He or she will be practicing and working on its digestive tract, and its bone marrow will be producing white blood cells. Finally, his or her pituitary gland will start to produce hormones. It is amazing so many organs can fit into something so tiny. I cannot wait to heat his or her heart beating again.

My belly is already showing, and I am in need of some new pants! There is already a rumor flying around work, so it seems I will be talking to my boss earlier than expected.

I am still dancing, and plan on continuing to dance until it is impossible. I tried out a yoga video tonight just for pregnant women. I really liked it, and it had some very pregnant women doing the moves. (Something you have to look forward to, Roger!)

I am having good days a bad days as far as how my tummy is feeling. I am hoping it all goes away after this trimester. I am looking forward to getting my energy and memory back too!

Meeting Dr. Dydell

Last Thursday I met with Dr. Dydell for the first time. She is so nice and knowledgable! I really like her. She told me that I and TIF are the right size. I got to hear TIF's heartbeat- very amazing! There is proof that someone is inside me. I also got to see TIF on s small portable ultrasound. TIF looks like a dancing hamster. I think he was figuring out his new elbows!

I am feeling good these days. The nausea has almost completely gone away. I still get tired quickly, though. Nate and I have been talking a lot about the furniture for the baby's room and baby names. Poor Olivia only has 7 more months of being "human." Sorry dog.

First Doctor's Appointment

I was registered as a new patient last Wednesday at Evergreen Hospital. I already like them better than my last doctor. I didn't get to meet Dr. Dydell, since it was her day off, but I did meet one of the nurses, Tony. She gave me calendar of my progress. As of today, Sunday, May 1st, I am eight weeks and six days along. Between this Monday and the next, TIF will transform from an embryo to a fetus! TIF will grow to the size of a medium green olive (about 1 inch).

My morning sickness is getting better, and I am able to eat more. I guess it's time to start putting on the pounds! I am getting used to buying and ordering food, with all the new regulations. I have made a few slip us, but nothing major. Nate and I (and Olivia) went for a walk/ hike yesterday. I realized I needed to sleep for twice as long as I exercised! We walked for about 1 1/2 hours, and I came home a crashed for 3 hours! I am told my energy will return in the future.

We have decided to let more people in on the big secret when I start my 13th week. That day is May 31st. I don't think I will tell my boss quite yet, but extended family and friends can know then.

Week seven is complete, now for week eight

I have been experimenting with alcohol free beer and wine this week. The verdict- the beer is bad and the wine is alright. O'Douls is undrinkable after the many years of micro brew. If you have not tried it, it is like bud light that has been watered down. The wine I have tried is called Fre, as in free of alcohol. It has the smell and some of the taste of wine, so I think I will stick with it.

The nausea has not let up, but I am finding ways to ward it off. Lots of saltines in the morning and a good meal before bed. The biggest bummer is the no-no list of foods. No deli meat, no hot dogs, no tuna, no white bread. Yesterday I got a headache. No aspirin, no Advil, no aleve. I will either become the walking encyclopedia of the no-no list or forever be carrying around my pregnancy book.

This week TIF will grow to the size of a large raspberry. Its lips, nose, eyelids, legs, and back will take shape. It will also start twitching, but it will be so small I will not be able to feel it. Its heart will ramp up from 80 beats per minute to 150.

I have my first appointment at the doctor's office on Wednesday. I will just meet with the nurse and go over preliminary things. I will meet Dr. Dydell in mid May. She is incredibly hard to get in to see, so I hope she is as good as her reputation! I will let you know how the visits go!

I would like to introduce TIF

Welcome to our new blog! Instead of calling our soon-to-be addition "it" for 9 months, we have created the fabulous acronym T.I.F. - The Incredible Fetus.

I am currently in my sixth week. TIF is 1/5" to 1/4" with a heart the size of a poppy seed that beats 80 times per minute. Morning sickness has not fully kicked in, but I am getting the beginnings of nausea. I have my first doctor's appointment in about a week where I will meet with the nurse and go over lots of info. I will meet my doctor in May. She is highly recommended, and it is very hard to get into her office. I think I have had a bit of luck getting in. I hope I like her! There's plenty of others out there if I do not.

I plan on blogging about once a week and posting all significant events (doctor appointments, trimester markers, first movements, etc.) and lots of pictures. There's nothing to see yet... I should start to show at four months.