18 weeks

Still not muh difference but the baby is the size of a large mango! And everything is staying the same size just my belly is growing out. Haha


-Aly G

16 weeks

I think it's going to be a long time before anything shows, but here is my weekly picture!



-Aly G

16 Week Appt

I had to go to my 16 week doctors appointment by myself cause has his EIB training (Expert Infantry Badge) this will be very good for his career, unfortunately all the training is taking place most of the time until we leave for Oregon.  Bummer!

This Doc appointment I got so much stuff done! I was very proud and accomplished!  I talked to the doc about switching care while I'm in Oregon.  So he gave me directions to the medical records to get a hold of all of those, I will need my OB flow charts, blood tests, and ultrasound chart to be able to have care at the Women Health Center of Oregon in Oregon city.  I got half of my stuff yesterday and scheduled my ultrasound for July 1st at 11 AM.  I'm so excited for it and Nik will defiantly be there.

Well actually Dr Shahan scheduled my ultrasound because I have been frustrated with the care I have been receiving and all the phone tag games on the phone.  I politely told him about my frustration and said I really feel like no one cares I'm just in and out as quick as you can, which for this being my first pregnancy makes me a little nervous.  I'm so glad that he was able to help me and understand.  He also got me all set up for my WIC program as well.  So I'm very thankful.

After I got the records I had to go to the lab for more blood tests, I got the quad scan??! Not sure what the genetic testing thing is called exactly.  I'm doing it more so for the chance of anything being wrong and if there is further testing need I will have to think about it.  I don't want to have the needle stuck into my stomach that really freaks me out!  I just want to know what the chances are if I have to prepare for anything.  Like I have been saying this whole time I am happy and healthy and I know nothing will go wrong.

Once my blood was taken I was about ready to pass out I was busy at the hospital for 2.5 hours I needed food!  I was getting a hunger headache and it didn't help that the doc also told me I had a ruptured blood vessel at the back of my skull and neck.  This had been the reason for me having a headache for days on end.  I had been soaking in the hot shower to help my neck but he told me icing would be better and he sure was right.  I have been icing it all the time and feels great, I just want it to vanish soon.  I ate in the cafeteria at the hospital and finally was able to drive home well to base to pick up Nik. 

All the running around the hospital I was so tired and poor Nik had done land navigation all day with a 45lb sack on his back so he was pooped too.  We didn't even eat dinner just shower and to bed.  It was a good day tho and now I'm just looking forward to our Ultrasound in July!!!!!! yay!!! we are going to find out the sex and finally pick some names out.  God is good to us!

Catching up!

I love catching up with old friends, warms my heart.  Makes ya think about the could have beens and life changes every one goes through as an adult.  Some people I never imagined growing up did, I can't wait to see everyone at my baby shower!

15 weeks

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus's ears are in place this week, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you're speaking (or singing in the shower). In fact, studies have found that babies who are sung to while they're in the womb recognize the same tune when it's sung to them after they are born (so choose your baby Muzak with that in mind…).

And baby's busily boning up in other ways. For one, the backbone (along with the back muscles) is stronger now — strong enough, in fact, to enable your baby to work on straightening his or her head and neck even more. Baby's crown-to-rump measurement is between four and five inches in length, and weight is hovering around three ounces.

This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. And here's the skinny on baby skin: It's practically translucent now, so if you took a peek inside your uterus, you'd be able to see your baby's blood vessels under that thin skin.






I know that it's not very big but I need to start taking pics to see the difference!! Haha I got alot of space in there! I will prolly not be big until 22-25 weeks. We will see!

-Aly G

Memorial Weekend

Had the Best weekend with my Birthday soldier!! He turned 34 on May 28th and we had a blast.   We went to Hooters for some Fried pickles and now they have been on my brain ever since! I want more of them... like now! If you have never tried them you need to find your local hooters and get on that man!  While at Hooters we watched the UFC fight and ate way to much food! basket of fried pickles, BBQ wings, over 40 baked oysters, and chocolate mousse cake! I was so stuffed.  I know that baby liked it cause I still want more now!

I'm still not gaining any weight I am now 8 lbs below what I'm suppose to be at.  So I started eating some more sugary foods to compensate for the pounds on top of the healthy food.  I'm eating more salad dressings and dips, that are good calories.  I had some whip cream on berries for some added calories.  Nik even got me some tropical sherbet which is yummy.  I'm sure I'll be back on track I would like to not gain as much in the long run.  I'm just shooting for 30lbs total so we will see :)

HEARTBEAT

Finally heard a heartbeat today!  It was so weird almost like I gave Nik a look like "this is really happening"  It was so cool but the doc did it so fast I mean less than 2 minutes, but it was wonderful to hear that little life.  I have so many questions before I get there then when I'm around the doctor I forget I even write them down and I still didn't ask oh well.  Maybe hearing the heartbeat and anticipating it threw me off but next time I will get him.

I also had to get a pap done too, which I have gotten many in the past but this one hurt really bad!  there was like a party in my room and the training PA is the one that did it.  As soon as he left I told my doc that it really hurt and he said that the trainee has not found his gentle touch yet.  I was like thanks for the warning? lol but no matter I'm not to shy about medical things and long as I can help someone learn I'm cool.

I also learned my blood type O+ I believe that is the most common blood type.  Thought that was interesting.

I'm home resting now I have a little bit of cramping cause of the pap and light spotting so I'm going to take it easy.  Wish Nik could have stayed home but he has to go back to work for EIB training.  But at least he will be home soon!

2nd Trimester!

My 2nd trimester start today.  Very thankful that most of my symptoms have done away.  I even slept through the whole night without getting up pee!!! Yippee!! I have gotten most of my energy back I even did a workout that I'm still feeling today.  I'm so glad that this is the easy part most of the time I feel like my old self again.  Tho today I woke up with a bad sore throat but I'm going to the Doc in 4 days so I know that I will be getting something to cure it up.

Physically I'm doing great but emotionally I'm suffering.  Everything hurts my feelings and then makes me sad.  Then I have all this emotional constipation and I know it's not good for the baby.  Its hard to keep everything bottled up inside but no one understands.  I feel like I'm losing my mind, but from what I read that is normal and your mind will not come back until they are out of the house.

I do look forward to my doc appt on the 19th, Finally we will hear a heartbeat and that makes me very happy.  I'm so excited but at the same time scared for this little life, it's what keeps me going.  We have found a place that does ultrasounds for a good price so I will get some extra pictures of my baby.  I can't wait to find out what it is, boy or girl it's killing me.  I never like surprises anyways!  We will find out the first week in July by then I will almost be 20 weeks.  Then I am off to Oregon.

It will be so nice to be around family and very old friends.  I can't wait!  I'm so excited to see everyone and it will be a nice change of scenery.  Oregon in the summer is nice but I do need to start braving the cold cause Korea will be harsh in the winter!  3 months in Oregon will fly by so fast actually this whole year is going by so fast, I wonder what the next few months or next year has in store for me.  I will be praying about it!

Tired of Man Bashing

I visit many pregnancy websites just to read up on topics I'm curious about or to ask questions.  A topic on the bump today was who is choosing to be a single parent.  This being a touchy subject since more women now are getting prego and not married I opted not to say anything but I think I just need to say what I wanted to say.

I'm not perfect when it comes to that whole issue but when they start bashing on men so much it's almost ridiculous to say well he found out I'm preggo and dumped me.  Why would you put yourself in the issue in the first place??? If you are not married you have to look out for yourself first! There are so many clinics with free birth control and even if you are under age are still discreet, shoots even condoms, there are so many things women can do for themselves in this day and age to prevent pregnancy before they are married.  It takes two to tango so it's not just his fault.  Makes me feel sad for those women who continually cast off blame.

in saying that it is my opinion I know is not a right or wrong issue, but that is just what I think.  Sometimes i don't even want to visit those sites anymore because the self pity, and chronic worry on the sites can make anyone depressed.  I think I just need to stay away from them for awhile and just do my own thing cause no matter what you want to know each pregnancy is different for each woman. 

hahaha I think I still just have a hard time making friends with girls!

I'm so thankful for Nik he is truly a blessing!

Mothers day!

Since technically this is my first mother's day we spend it lazing around the house.  Since this time next year we will have our hands full!! the sun was shining and the breeze was blowing what more could you ask for?!

It was so sweet of Nik so say happy mothers day all day.  He has made me so happy and I'm so thankful to have him in my life.  What an amazing year this is turning out to be!

So Stinkin Cute

Look how hansome he is! He loves this little baby more than anything! He is going to be a great daddy!!









-Aly G

Mangos

Fabulous Fruits and Nuts
All fruits are good for you, but mangoes are particularly great for the pregnant set. They contain more vitamins A and C bite for delicious bite than a salad. This tropical favorite, also packed with potassium, is especially versatile, a perfect complement to sweet and savory dishes. Blend it into smoothies or soups, chop it up in salsas or relishes, or simply scoop and enjoy. And if you're already nuts about nuts, here is some good news. Nuts are chock-full of important minerals (copper, manganese, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, and even calcium) and vitamin E. And even though they're high in fat, it's mainly the good-for-you kind — especially baby-brain-boosting DHA, which is found in walnuts. So in a nutshell, go nuts (in moderation if you're gaining quickly, liberally if you're gaining slowly) and toss them into salads, pasta, meat, or fish dishes, and baked goods.

Good thing I have been craving all of thee above, but now I need a mango!




-Aly G

First Trimester

I have about 2 more weeks and it's over!  It was rough but I'm finally starting to feel energized and able to get up and do stuff.  I'm very happy that I am starting to feel better and I know that Nik will be happy as well.

It's been a rough few months but I'm going enjoy all of pregnancy.  I think I want to plan on walking 5-10 miles a day and doing lots of stretches after.  That way I can keep from gaining weight to fast, I'm already having a little extra on my hips and tummy, but it's not to bad.

I just want to be as healthy as possible and I know that I have been lazy and craving sugar, it's just so hard when you are feeling run down.  I want to do better for the baby and for Nik, my family deserves the best and I have not been doing that.  I feel terrible about it, but at least tomorrow is a new day and I have objectives to complete.

10 Weeks

May 2, 2010 - May 8, 2010

Your Body
Your lower abdomen is probably just starting to protrude a bit now (though you likely still look less like you're pregnant and more like you've been overdoing the doughnuts). But even if it's still flat as a board (all women start to show at different times — and as you'll find out, all show differently), you're probably finding your jeans aren't buttoning without a struggle. You can blame the pregnancy hormone progesterone for that tight squeeze (actually, when you're pregnant, you can blame the hormone progesterone for just about everything).

Though progesterone does a bang-up job in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, some of the less than flattering by-products of all the good it does are bloating… and burping… and passing gas. That's because progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue in your body — including the gastrointestinal tract — slowing down digestion to allow more time for the nutrients from food to be absorbed into the bloodstream and passed to your baby. But what's good for baby isn't always good for mom. The uncomfortable fullness you feel in your abdomen, especially after eating, will (sorry) only get worse for some women. As your uterus grows, it'll crowd the stomach and intestines, putting more pressure on the digestive tract, and causing you to feel even more bloated during pregnancy. But here's some consolation: your baby won't feel your pain. In fact, your baby is oblivious to all your intestinal distress, and may even be soothed by the gurgling of your gastric symphony.

Your Baby
Slightly more than two inches long now and weighing about a third of an ounce, your fetus is growing by leaps and bounds. And so is his or her head, which is equal in length to the rest of the body (don't worry — all fetuses are top-heavy).

On the crown of that large head (and over the rest of the body), hair follicles are forming. Fingernail and toenail beds begin to develop this week and by next week, the nails themselves will start to grow (so don't forget to add a baby nail clipper to your to-buy list).

Your baby's body is straightening and his or her torso is lengthening (sounds like a yoga pose, doesn't it?). Other poses your baby can assume now: stretches, somersaults, and forward rolls. And while you can't tell this baby's gender by its cover yet, testes are developing if it's a boy and ovaries if it's a girl.


-Aly G

First OB Appointment

Headed down to Tripler for my fist OB appointment and totally thought it was going to be something different.  All I got was paperwork and poked.  I guess it's good that I get all my blood work done first so when I come back they will know more to help me.  I just can't wait for next appointment to hear a heartbeat.

The Doc said that I only get one ultrasound at 20 weeks so see the progress and the babies sex.  I thought we got more than that but oh well.  I'm a little sad I will not be getting more pictures but what can I do about it.  They gave me a nice little guide as to what to expect at the army hospital and each of my visits there.

On the plus side when we talked about labor and stuff she said that she sees tall women have really fast labors.  If you are over 5'8 you are golden, she said, that made me feel alot better.  I'm a giant and this baby will be out in no time, hopefully not while I'm in the car!

9 Weeks

Apr 18, 2010 - Apr 24, 2010

Your Body
When it comes to pregnancy symptoms, you may feel like you've already reached your limit this week: Your clothes are getting tighter around the waist, you're busting out on top, you're still running to the bathroom 100 times a day (if it isn't to throw up, it's to pee). But wait, there's more. You're having trouble lifting your head off the pillow, you're dragging your feet all day, and you can't wait to crawl into bed as soon as you arrive home at night. Sound familiar? If it does, you're in good pregnant company: You've got pregnancy fatigue.

Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. And for good reason. Making a baby is hard work — make that very hard work. Consider this: During these first weeks and months of pregnancy, your body is manufacturing the placenta — your baby's life-support system. What's more, your body's metabolism and hormone levels have increased significantly while your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. Add it all up, and it's no wonder you feel as if you're competing in a triathlon each day.

The good news: You'll recover a lot of the get up and go that has gotten up and left once your body has adjusted to being pregnant and your baby's placenta is finished developing — somewhere around month four. The not-so-good news: Pregnancy fatigue is likely to reappear during the last trimester as the demands of toting around a larger fetus increase.

Your Baby
Sunrise, sunset: Would you believe your baby is having his or her first graduation already? Yes, it's true: Your scholar-to-be has ended his or her embryonic stage and is entering the fetal period now (good-bye embryo, hello fetus). Your fetus is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (but no martinis, please). The head has straightened out and is more fully developed, the ears are much more prominent, and some new organs (the liver, spleen, and gallbladder) are forming. Your fetus is also making spontaneous movements of his or her arms and legs now that minuscule muscles are beginning to develop, though you won't feel your tiny dancer for at least another two months.

While it's way too early to feel anything, it's not too early to hear something (possibly). Your baby's heart is developed enough — and grown large enough — so that its beats can be heard with a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device that amplifies the lub-dub sound the heart makes. But don't worry if your practitioner can't pick up the sound of your baby's heartbeat yet. It just means your shy guy or gal is hiding in the corner of your uterus, or has his or her back facing out, making it hard for the Doppler to find its target. In a few weeks (or at your next visit) the miraculous sound of your baby's heartbeat is certain to be audible for your listening pleasure.


-Aly G

First Baby Gift!

Over the weekend we bought an infant carrier because it was on sale at Nordstrom Rack. And both Nik and I cannot pass up a good sale price! Mainly it will be for ease when we travel and mostly for Nik to use *sly wink from me*

He will be a proud daddy wearing it! It will give him extra bonding time and if it's a little girl (I'm think I'm having a boy) then he is going to spoil her rotten! I can't wait to find out what it is so we can start buying little clothes! Only 12 weeks til then, only sheesh!




-Aly G

8 weeks

April 18-24, 2010

When it comes to pregnancy symptoms, you may feel like you've already reached your limit this week: Your clothes are getting tighter around the waist, you're busting out on top, you're still running to the bathroom 100 times a day (if it isn't to throw up, it's to pee). But wait, there's more. You're having trouble lifting your head off the pillow, you're dragging your feet all day, and you can't wait to crawl into bed as soon as you arrive home at night. Sound familiar? If it does, you're in good pregnant company: You've got pregnancy fatigue.

Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. And for good reason. Making a baby is hard work — make that very hard work. Consider this: During these first weeks and months of pregnancy, your body is manufacturing the placenta — your baby's life-support system. What's more, your body's metabolism and hormone levels have increased significantly while your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. Add it all up, and it's no wonder you feel as if you're competing in a triathlon each day.

The good news: You'll recover a lot of the get up and go that has gotten up and left once your body has adjusted to being pregnant and your baby's placenta is finished developing — somewhere around month four. The not-so-good news: Pregnancy fatigue is likely to reappear during the last trimester as the demands of toting around a larger fetus increase.

Your Baby
Sunrise, sunset: Would you believe your baby is having his or her first graduation already? Yes, it's true: Your scholar-to-be has ended his or her embryonic stage and is entering the fetal period now (good-bye embryo, hello fetus). Your fetus is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (but no martinis, please). The head has straightened out and is more fully developed, the ears are much more prominent, and some new organs (the liver, spleen, and gallbladder) are forming. Your fetus is also making spontaneous movements of his or her arms and legs now that minuscule muscles are beginning to develop, though you won't feel your tiny dancer for at least another two months.

While it's way too early to feel anything, it's not too early to hear something (possibly). Your baby's heart is developed enough — and grown large enough — so that its beats can be heard with a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device that amplifies the lub-dub sound the heart makes. But don't worry if your practitioner can't pick up the sound of your baby's heartbeat yet. It just means your shy guy or gal is hiding in the corner of your uterus, or has his or her back facing out, making it hard for the Doppler to find its target. In a few weeks (or at your next visit) the miraculous sound of your baby's heartbeat is certain to be audible for your listening pleasure.

Feelin the fatigue, and I cannot wait to hear the heartbeat I hope I get to hear it at 12 weeks!! Only 4 more to go!!







-Aly G

Guaca-MOLE-EEE

I get to have 4 of my moles removed.  The two in my hair, the one on my temple, and the one by my ear! Heck yes, it's about time they are getting way to large and in the way.  I keep scratching them! Then they are also doing a body mapping of all my moles to watch them every year to make sure none look bad, or I will get them removed too.  Yay! gotta love military insurance!

Morning sickness

Why do you hate me so oh morning sickness! I loathe you entirely! You feel like motion sickness and a Vegas hangover all rolled into one!

You will not take me I will fight with my arsenal of Ginger, sprite, and saltines. This battle is not over but you are finished my foe!


-Aly G