Happy New Year!

Week 4 to Week 30

Just a little fun! As many of my family and friends will be staying up to watch the ball drop and ring in the New Year....let the year of 2014 bring everyone peace, love and joy!

 

Week 29!

Belly Watch!

As I am posting this blog entry, I am actually beginning week 30! Wow...time is flying by! I can definitely tell this belly is growing, because my urge to use the restroom is increasing like crazy (which is a little scary when I have to head back to school soon--if you are not sure what this means ask a teacher, we have a very set schedule of when we can use the bathroom and train our bodies to go during prep and lunch---there will not be any controlling this any longer though!) I have also been having a little more difficulty sleeping at night. The multiple bathroom trips are not to worry about, it is the back pain or the hip pain that is waking me up and keeping me up. Hmmm, is it too early to say I will be ready to be able to sleep on my stomach once again! 10 more weeks (or less if Baby Clark decides to come early--but if it was my plan she would stay in until after March 14th!)

A celebration!

Today is a special day in the Clark household. It was two years today Mark received the greatest gift of all -- a second chance at life! Our dear friend Tori made an amazing sacrifice that changed our lives completely, more than anyone could possibly dream. Not only did it give Mark another chance at life, it also gave us the opportunity to bring a beautiful little girl into this world!

I will be forever grateful of all the wonderful people in my life who were able to make this journey a success for our family, whether you were a nurse or doctor or the support system in our lives! We would not be so fortunate and blessed if it was not for all of you!

And so it begins....(I think)

Well, I think I have officially felt my very first Braxton Hick contractions last night. It only lasted for about a minute, but was strong enough to wake me from my sleep! I say I "think" only because I only assume this is what I felt. Of course, leave it to me to go Google this and self analyze myself this morning. Google! This can definitely be your best friend or your worst enemy! (For those of you who have Google'd anything medical related will understand this--it can either make your mind at ease or make you over examine every small symptom)

I had to laugh yesterday, Mark and I were up at normal time. by 9:30 we were making our usual Sunday grocery store trip. Oh how that will be so different with a little one around! Well, as we were walking in the tortilla aisle, I had the sudden urge to take a nap! I made it back home and proceeded to take a 2 hour nap. This urge to nap might be because I feel like I am constantly getting up at night to either go to the restroom or turn from one side to the other. I am pretty sure the delivery of Baby Clark will probably not change this sleep pattern for a while either, so this might be great practice.

On other exciting news....we have our crib! (Thanks to my Mom!)

 

 

The crib was kid tested and kid approved. My next door neighbor, Gunner, who is a spunky but amazing little 2 year old climbed right in and jumped in the bed to make sure it was safe and sound! Mark and I also managed to recruit Sam our next door neighbor to help put this crib together. I am so happy for that, as putting together any type of furniture is sure to bring on a lover's spat between Mark and I without a doubt. Crisis averted.

Last Friday, I had a doctor's appointment. It was this appointment I had to drink the nasty glucose drink prior to coming in and then had to have my blood drawn. (please cross your fingers I don't receive a phone call today and have to do the 3 hour test) The glucose drink lived up to its reputation---absolutely disgusting! No news is good news, so hopefully today I will not receive a phone call. I have also officially graduated from 4 weeks between doctor appointments and will now be seeing the doctor every 2 weeks!

To leave on a happy note, I (and Mark) am getting more and more excited to have our bundle of joy be joining us in just a few months. Baby Clark has become stronger and stronger with her kicks and with everyone I feel I have this growing bond and love like no other for her!

Mark and I will be spending Christmas with our family on Hidalgo. We will be making cheesy potatoes, prime rib, and some other tasty treats.

Merry Christmas to all who read this! Hope everyone travels safely and has many days filled with love and joy with family and friends!

Week 28

So I managed to get ready this morning a little bit quicker this morning so thought I would update the belly picture! The end of this week I am lucky enough to head to the doctor again and will be taking the lovely little juice bottle to test my glucose on Friday morning. I anticipate it to go well, but hopefully it truly does so I do not have to endure the longer, more dreaded test! 

And that my friends and family is what 28 weeks looks like. Seems like no big deal, but then you look at how much time I have left...only 12 more weeks and it makes me feel so many crazy emotions! Mostly super excited to finally be able to hold Baby Clark (and announce her name to EVERYONE!) It also makes me think....what if it is less than 12 weeks....a friend down here delivered her bundle of joy at week 37! Yikes...what am I doing on the computer...I should be packing that hospital bag! :)

Week 27

Well, it is that time again where it is the end of the quarter and I am super busy with end of the year/quarter/Holiday season activities! Baby Clark has been active and busy this week. Mark has also been able to enjoy your kicks and punches as well!

Latest pregnancy symptom: Heartburn...or like I tell my students Esophagus Burn has made its appearance this week. It has eased up a bit later on this week, but so far nothing that a Tums cannot handle!

Week 27 Belly

Best Students in the World!

My students are the best! I was surprised by one of my students this past week at school. I was running late from our Thursday meetings at school, and I was greeted by my first hour students as well as a few other students. (Secretly, I was thinking another teacher was gone and we would be splitting students in classes) Well, upon my arrival the student said he had a surprise for me. So I proceeded to go into my room and was greeted with a large wrapped package in the front of my room and "Surprise" written on my board. This lovely young boy had brought me a Pack and Play! I was so surprised and blessed to have such a great student who thought of me!

The students I have this year are amazing (every year they are amazing actually), but they always such caring young adolescents who are always telling me stop picking up things off the floor...or just being awesome in their own ways. The other day in one of my classes, one of my students was commenting on this dress I was wearing. He said "looks like something Kim Kardashian would wear"...which lead the conversation to Baby North. I laughed so hard when a student of mine, mentioned that it would be as if Alicia Keys named her baby Car. (Car Keys)....He was pretty clever...and we might have laughed in class for a few minutes before we could move on!

Never a dull moment teaching 8th grade students!

Week 26 Baby!

This dress is the most comfortable thing to wear! Just saying!

Week 25

Thanksgiving was amazing! I have been reliving all the wonderful food for the last 2 days (and probably a few more to come) with all the leftovers! Eek!

Yesterday, Mark celebrated his birthday! So happy that Mark also was able to feel the baby kick for the first time on my stomach. I had to coax our little Baby Clark to kick, because Mark seems to have a calming affect on her when he places his hand on my belly. What a wonderful birthday gift!

Week 25 belly shot

The T ime has come....

to let everyone know that I have officially bought maternity clothes! Today...I purchase (thanks to my Mom) a cute little black dress that allows my belly to breath! I also bought a pair of dress pants for work and a pair of jeans as well this past weekend. (A little too big now, but will be perfect for Thanksgiving!)

Just had another appointment yesterday. Everything is going wonderful. Gain weight so far: 17 lbs (that happened quick). Got to see Baby Clark on the ultrasound, she is looking cuter and cuter by the minute. My next appointment will be a lovely one where I get to have the glucose test done. Lucky me! I also received a booklet of "first time parents" from the doctor (along with registration to the hospital). Ha...everything I need to know to be a mom in just 30 pages! Something tells me I will be calling my mother for advice!

T minus 2 days to Turkey Day!

Week 24

Bam! Look at that belly! Look at that 24 week belly!

Still plugging away at brewing Baby Clark and school. It is officially a little more difficult to reach down and pick something up off the floor. Two days ago as I was leaving school, I had the case of the "fumbleitis" and seemed to have dropped about 5 or 6 things as I was on my way out. As I picked up the last item I was telling myself...bend at the knees!

I am off to work for a few hours this morning. Only 2 days of work next week and then it is Turkey Time!!!! I am so excited to be giving Baby Clark her first (well technically her second if you count instant mashed potatoes and turkey I got from school this past week) real Turkey Day meal!

Happy Thanksgiving all! Safe travels and safe hunting for those of you out in the woods trying to find the "turdy point buck"!

Week 23

Time flies! Only 3 more weeks and I would officially be into my 3rd trimester. Shut the front door! The next few weeks (more like next few months will be flying by) with the Holiday season in full swing. I am officially living on cloud 9 just thinking about all the food that I will be putting into my belly come Thanksgiving! CAN NOT WAIT! Baby Clark will get a preview when our school holds its "Thanksgiving" meal next Wednesday!

On to the belly....

I have to say....I really enjoy being pregnant. The joy of feeling Baby Clark kicking...best feeling ever!

Week 22

Roller coaster! Woo...wooo....wooo...roller coaster! That seems to be the ride my husband is on! (hence needing those Kleenex) Last night, our dear neighbor Kim gave us some cute little socks and a hat for Baby Clark. As the neighbors were poking fun of Mark and saying he better not cry...it was like clock work...the eyes began to well up and of course his "allergies" seemed to have hit him just at that moment! :) He might need his own nurse in the delivery room!

Week 22 Belly shot

 

 



Need to add an item to the list....

So after returning with Mark from going to Target and registering, I have decided there is one more item I forgot to add to the list. Kleenex. Not for Baby Clark, but for Mark. For most of you reading this, this should not come as a surprise.

He was a bit emotional just doing the registry. Gosh, I love this man! Just shows how A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Mark will be as a Dad! I heart this man!

Now...let's talk about his choice of football team...I think it will be a race to Baby Clark's room every Sunday morning to get her dressed up in the "Best" team attire!

Week 21

Belly Update

In the words of my husband "Dang, your belly is getting big!" I agree!

I had another doctor appointment on Halloween. All is going wonderful! Blood pressure is wonderful! My belly measurements are right on track. At my next appointment, I will get ready to take the nasty (or so I have heard from many people) the glucose test. I will also be receiving paperwork to register for the hospital! OMG! This is getting real! I am also so excited to start to begin to feel Baby Clark kicking much more this week. It is an amazing feeling.

Have I told everyone my students at school are awesome! I have received gifts from two students with various baby items. So sweet and generous of those students. I have also acquired a high chair from my awesome neighbor Miranda. So this weekend's job is to get it all cleaned up and ready to use down the road. In the next few weeks, Mark and I will be registering for Baby Clark as well.

I also like to think that this week is actually my "half way mark", because I am hoping to be able to finish up the 3rd quarter and get into my spring break before Baby Clark arrives (for the sanity of my coworkers)....maybe I'll take the advice of another student. Just squeeze my stomach and hold in the baby when the time arrives! Ha, not sure it is quite that easy!

Week 20 - Half Way There!

Wow! I am half way there! I have been able to feel Baby Clark much more now. It is quite exciting. Still waiting for the time I can have Mark see and feel her.

So after we found out we are having a girl, the number one question I hear is "what will you name her?" The answer is quite simple...and varies from "not sure yet" to "Still have a few names on the list". In most cases though, I tell them whatever name we choose has to be unique enough that when I call out her name cause she is outside after the streetlights have come on I will not have 5 different girls come running up to me because they all have the same name. On the other hand, it cannot be too unique that when a teacher goes down roll call they stumble on trying to say the name. As a teacher, I have horror stories of saying students names over and over again because they are so difficult to say.

To finally put the name issue to rest, Mark and I will not be sharing the name until our bundle of joy arrives. (Sorry folks...we need to have some element of surprise) We do have a name picked out (as of now) and we occasionally (ok maybe all the time) talk to my stomach and sing to her and call her by your unique yet not too unique name!

Week 20 Belly

 

 

 



Sacrifices!

You can sure tell I am off for Fall Break this week -- 2 posts in one day!

It is amazing how pregnancy changes from generation to generation. I have spoken to many Moms out there and everyone has lots of advice--and the doctors as well! It is funny to think how just a decade ago, doctors were telling mothers not to eat certain foods and now it is just fine to eat.

When I first became pregnant I read through the list of the "have" and "have not's" during pregnancy. Most of the items on the list of "have not's" are either really gross and I would not eat anyways or I already do not include in my diet. The one item on that list I decided to give up (and I know this seems minuscule, but I want to be ready to make all those sacrifices for my child--I am sure I'll have plenty more chances to do this after she arrives as well). What you may ask?

Coffee! I miss coffee. The smell of coffee in our teacher's lounge each morning is amazing. Many say I can have decaf -- and as the temptation nears I may splurge--but I am trying to stay strong---it just is not the same.  I even gave away my coffee at my house because I knew it would be some time before I could drink it again. I have often made the statement to Mark as soon as I give birth he will have to go for a coffee run just so I can enjoy a nice cup of Joe! (of course then a mother told me coffee is not allowed if I am breast feeding!) Wonder if that theory will change within the next few months?????

Happy Fall Break Readers!

We are proud to announce!!!!

We are proud to announce we will be having a beautiful little GIRL!!!!

Mark and I are so excited! The planning begins! In my mind, I have a name picked out...but I think Mark is still undecided about the name...or just doesn't want to give in. Either way, we have a few more months to figure it out...and no need to worry I will not get any of you in the middle of the decision making process (we plan to announce the name when we announce the birth of our little GIRL!!!)

As for the ultrasound, everything looked great! The Tech mentioned we could be a few more days later (around March 16th)....which was just fine for me to hear. I am hoping to finish the 3rd quarter of school before the long term sub begins. Although if this little girl is as stubborn as she was yesterday and not wanting to give us a profile picture, I think she has a mind of her own and will come when she is ready! (But Momma would really like it if she came during her Spring Break!)

So I guess this means we are on to the next "place your bet" time when we can decide what day Lil' Princess Clark will arrive in this world and how much she will weigh! I'll give you some details about Mark and I and how much we weighed at birth in another post!

Drum Roll......

Mark and I were successfully able to find out the sex of our baby....but you will have to hold on just a little bit longer. I am still waiting to let a few more immediate family members know and then I promise I will announce it on here! 

Week 18

Wow...I can tell it was the end of the quarter at my school. I just barely posted week 17, and I am already 2 days away from week 19!

Updates: I can finally say that I am 100% sure I am feeling Lil' Clark in my belly now! It is an amazing feeling, one that brings you even closer to Lil' Clark then I already am! I have been feeling some movements for a week or two now, but was not sure that my little one was the culprit!

Next blog entry we should know the sex!

Week 17

Week 17 Belly

So the belly is officially starting to pop...It actually feels larger, and not just the bloat.








I had my students vote on whether I was having a girl or boy. The results are as follows. Hmmm, Mark agreed! Four more days until we find out what our Lil' Clark will be! I had to laugh when I was asking the students what gender they thought I would have---I had all sorts of old wives tales...everything from the Chinese calendar to the necklace test to smelling my belly. I love my job!

Laugh or Cry...

Ok, so just got finished with watching the series opener of Greys Anatomy, and I just have to let everyone know this pregnancy thing is C.R.A.Z.Y and for R.E.A.L!!!  This show somehow managed to make me cry like a little baby...and then I started laughing because I was crying so hard...and while I was laughing I was continuing to cry. The look on Mark's face was priceless!  Here's to you Lil' Clark!

What will Lil' Clark look like?

I find myself thinking about what our Lil' Clark will look like....(of course no matter what he/she will be the cutest kid EVER!)  A good time back I actually went to one of those morphing websites and downloaded Mark and I's pictures and it is suppose to morph the two to form a picture of a child.

Here is picture #1: (girl)

And picture #2: (boy)

Only time will tell...until then I'll keep brewing! 

Week 16

Holy moly this week flew by! I thought I better sneak in a quick blog this week, before I head out into the great outdoors and go camping this weekend!

Miranda, Lil' Kylie, and I are going on an ALL girls (well..that is if I am having a girl...the date we find out is getting closer and closer) camping trip this weekend. I am super excited, although will miss partaking in a few cocktail beverages. We are heading up towards Sedona, and if anyone reading this has been up there it is beautiful country! I am excited for Miranda to show me the ropes of camping (I like doing it, but I am still quite the beginner when it comes to camping). I will hopefully take some pictures and be able to share the trip on here when I get back.

I am so happy for many other Mom's out there....I have heard of a few fellow high school classmates and others at school that are expecting little bundles of joy around the same time as myself. I sure hope they are enjoying the ride of pregnancy as much as I am! I keep feeling like I will jinx myself, because this whole pregnancy thing is going quite smoothly so far. Hopefully, I will not be paying for it in delivery...yikes!

And here we go with the belly shots. By the way...I have had a few students mention my belly is getting bigger. What do you think??

Week 16

 

Compared to Week 5!

Week 15

Update from Doctor Apt.

First off, I love my OB doctor...he is a great doctor and he has a great personality as well (which makes it much easier to visit and feel more comfortable--believe me I have seen some not so people friendly doctors and it just makes the appointment so much more annoying).  I was amused this time, as my doctor was asking if I knew what we were  having yet---boy or girl. I told him that Mark and I have different viewpoints on what we are having---and before I could finish my sentence he wheeled in the ultrasound to see if you he could figure it out! Our little peanut is still too small or was moving around just too much for him to make a decision.

So for those of you that are avid readers, the date of October 15th will be the day (fingers crossed) we should be able to find out the sex.

On another note....I have had two separate individuals tell me our Lil' Clark has big feet---do they not realize I have long feet and Mark has crazy big feet! This child will definitely inherit that! Sorry Lil' Clark!

Week 15 Belly

And just for comparison....look at that belly grow!

Week 14! 2nd Trimester here we go!

Week 14

Week 14 belly shot:

This week has been crazy busy! I had parent teacher conferences for two nights this week and averaged getting home around 8:30 each night. Glad the week is over! Although I have a lot of grading to do this weekend, and prepare for my formal observation with my principal next Tuesday. In the meantime, a week or so ago  I went and had some tests done for any chromosome deficiencies for our Lil' Clark. Well, the Geneticist called the day before conferences began and I was playing phone tag with her for 3 days before I finally gave Mark the phone number and had him call her. They told me they would call either way. I am happy to hear that our Lil' Clark is healthy and there are now issues!

On a side note, I am feeling great these days. I have definitely got more of my energy back (thank goodness, I could not imagine doing conferences otherwise). I am doing a little better with food, not as picky. Although smells can still get to me at times.

I have another regular doctors appointment on Monday afternoon, so hopefully I will be able to set up the time next month to figure out the sex of the baby. It has been the number one question everyone seems to ask (students included). I will definitely have to poll my students if they think Lil' Clark will be a girl or boy. (I am still saying girl...Mark says boy--looks like a good bet to take with Mark if you ask me!)

Until next time....I will enjoy the Wisconsin Badgers play at ASU! Go Bucky!

Week 13

On Wednesday,  I had another ultrasound. They were doing measurements on our little Clark, so the Geneticist can evaluate the probability of having any chromosomal issues.  As we went through the ultrasound everything looked great...and we will just wait for a phone call for the Geneticist to call -- either way our Lil' Clark will be awesome!

So I showed up bright and early to my appointment and I was so excited to see our little one! Lil' Clark was bouncing up a storm inside my belly! I mean nonstop jumping the entire time. I kept thinking to myself....when I begin to feel this I am in a run for my money! The tech doing the ultrasound also mentioned that our Lil' Clark had some big feet --- little does she know Mark not only has big feet but also big hands.....wonder if this is a sign to come. Until then....say hello to Lil' Clark!

Secrets Out!

The last remaining individuals to find out I am expecting were my students(and if you remember they have been spreading a few "rumors" about me on the playground as well). On Thursday, I finally decided I was going to tell my students at school. I was trying to come up with a clever way to share the news with them (and then convince them not to say anything to their friends so it would be a surprise for all the students--not sure how well we did on that one!)

Here is how it went down. First up, the students were doing journal entries about qualitative and quantitative data collecting. So I showed them two pictures to identify those items within the pictures. Next up, I had them infer with a picture of two tigers playing/fighting in water. The very last picture was of my last ultrasound and had them predict with the image was. I heard responses anywhere from a deformed alien to cheerios to an animal. Most students did realize it was an ultrasound of a baby though, and as soon as I prompted them to predict who was carrying this baby...they responded with excitement and claps! I had a young gentleman (who seems like a "tough" kid call it a "peanut")! There were many congrats given to me and they were super awesome about it! There were a few of the students who said "I knew it!" but as I looked at their predictions it didn't back that up!

I think the group of students who will be going through this pregnancy with me could not be a better group of students to share it with. I really truly am blessed to work at such an amazing school with wonderful students. I would not trade it for the world!


Week 12 belly pick

My sleepiness is starting to get better. Still feeling great (except for smells can sometimes get me---I almost threw up in the bathroom at school the other day due to the smell). I also have another ultrasound next Wednesday so pictures to come! Until then, I plan to enjoy my 3 day weekend!

Gender Prediction

So Mark and I are definitely not the type of people for surprises. On a side note, neither one of us are very good at keeping secrets either --hence everyone knowing about our pregnancy slightly before the end of the first trimester. Mark and I have differing views on what we will be having, but in the end we just want a beautiful, healthy baby. So for all those who read this...let the betting begin! Renee....care to lose another bet??

Gender Prediction: Boy or Girl?

• Boy
• Girl

Acepoll

More polls: Create you own poll

Week 11 Doctor Apt.

The doctor appointment went great! I got to hear the heartbeat again and see our little Clark! There were little hands and legs. It was so amazing to be able to see our little Clark kicking and punching around!

So in just a few weeks I will be going back for another ultrasound (and some blood) for the testing of Trisomy 18, Down Syndrome, etc. I was excited to find out I will be doing this at another location where the ultrasound machine used is much more expensive (which makes for better pictures). The remaining ultrasounds I will have will be done at the separate location as well. The anatomy ultrasound will happen in mid October--which is what I am most excited about as Mark and I never were very good with secrets!

THIS IS FOR REAL!!!!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention....had a student write me a letter and in the middle of class gave it to me and said do not read it out loud. I put it in my pocket and did not think of it until they all left. I pulled it out and here is what it said "Mrs. Clark, I have heard a rumor on the playground that you are pregnant? Is this true?" Ha....I am the talk on the playground...hilarious! The news will soon be out...I secretly cannot wait for the students' responses. This group of students this year are a delightful group and will be great through this process for sure!

Week 11

Another one bites the dust...This post will be short and sweet as I am sure I will have more to say after my doctor's appointment tomorrow.

Until then...enjoy this belly!

Week 10 - Double Digits!

 

Week 10 baby! 

 

 

My routine this week consisted of getting up, going to school, getting home, and then eating quickly before I fall fast asleep on the couch/bed by 7:30/8:00! Yikes! Growing another human inside of me is exhausting!

I am also 2 weeks into the new school year, and my students are great this year! There are so many with such great personalities and willing to do anything crazy along with me! So as a teacher I pull out a few tricks, one of said tricks is to come up with a dance/movements that help students remember important items.  Well this week I started with one of my dances. I could not believe how tired I was by the end of the day doing these dances. I just keep thinking that in January when I teach them Newton's Laws with my dance I will be 30 some weeks pregnant! This is going to look all sorts of crazy with me...but anything to help my students!

This Thursday I have another doctor's appointment. Looking forward to this one, we are meeting the nurse practitioner and going over all the family history. (Secretly hoping I will get another ultrasound so I can see my little Clark!)

Oh yeah, loving the fact that Mark is standing in my kitchen on a Saturday...enjoying my weekends with him! He is going to be the best Dad in the world!

Yes! and No!

Let's start with the "No"....on Friday I had a student who I was talking to in the hallway before class was starting and in the middle of our conversation she blurted out....wait for it..."are you pregnant?" What? Have their parents told their children to never ask until you know 100% for sure a person is pregnant to ask! (Granted I have been bloating like crazy lately, and by the end of the school day when I see this students I know I probably look a little pregnant...but already?) So as I was completely caught off guard and was not going to tell my students until I was "showing" more...this may come sooner than later. My response you may ask.....I stuttered around for a bit and said "maybe someday!" So I bought a little time....well probably not much because I am sure when 130 plus students are staring at me for 50 minutes I am sure they are bound to observe my little pooch of a belly begin to get bigger!


And now for the "Yes"! I found out this week Mark will have weekends off! I have grown to accustomed to having Mark work crazy hours in the restaurant business. I have learned that even though he is saying he may be on his way home, I should not expect him to be walking in the door right away because there is always that one last person at the store who asks a question or one more thing that could be done that can postpone his arrival so very easily. Well, in Mark's restaurant the business is primarily done throughout the week (he works downtown and if you have ever seen downtown Phoenix, there is not much that goes on during the weekends--although there has been some improvement with ASU building a campus and various Farmer Markets. Regardless, I am excited to have Mark have weekends off consistently. I'll say "YES" to that!


Today, we are celebrating my next door neighbor's 2nd birthday! I am excited as this little guy is one of the best ever! (unfortunately, my neighbors decided to get a margarita machine for the party....should be a fun evening people watching!)

On a side note, sorry to all those who could not view my pictures earlier. I have been able to fix some, and now know the procedure to make sure they show up! I promise you won't miss any more belly pics!

Week 9

Week 9

This week has been long! It was my first week back to school with students, and I have been averaging going to bed by 7:30/8:00 each night. That is a far cry from my usual 10 pm.

Week 9 Belly

Holy moly....this week has brought bloating! So as I stand in front of 135 some students I feel like I could be punctured with the slightest touch or look from a student. I cannot complain though, if bloating is the least of my symptoms I will certainly take it! I am also beginning to crave (and even have the occasional avoidance as well) with food. Mark says he is no longer going to buy food at the grocery store unless we are going to make it within a few days, as my indecisiveness can drive him crazy and probably waste a lot of food too!

I have also seemed a bit more emotional today. I may have easily cried during bus duty today (it was one of those moments that if I would have thought about crying I would have broken down---but I am proud I kept my composure) I also cried during an episode of "Catfish"....who does that? Until next time!

Week 8

This post is brought to you with a happy and sad heart. My Grandpa Hornung has passed. He was a great Grandpa and amazing man, who was someone who everyone could look up to. What I will remember most about him is his love for learning. He always had his books next to him by his favorite rocker.

On a happier note, my cousin Travis and his new wife Annie just tied the knot! I was sad I could not attend, but I had a glass of OJ to celebrate here in AZ.

On to this creature living in my belly! This past week I also went back to school. I averaged going to bed around 8 pm each evening. Oh my...what will be the record this week when it is my first week back with students!

Week 8 Belly shot:










(more like bloating belly)

See you soon!

A little pick me up!

So today was our first day back to school. I love being a teacher! I get the same giddy little excitement of going to my first day of school just like a small child. I mean who does not love going school shopping! Here is where the pick me up comes....so in a few months I can come back to this and smile. All day long I had coworkers say I was looking great and asking if I had lost some weight over the summer. (while I worked out a ton this summer...while I lost inches/gained muscles...the scale did not change) What they do not know is I'll be gaining on those pounds over the next few months. It really is difficult to hold in the news...but once school starts the end of August will be here before I know it and I will be able to shout it from the rooftops!


On a different note: Pregnancy completely creates havoc on my sleeping patterns. I used to be a great sleeper, would fall asleep as my head hit the pillow. Thank goodness cause Mark can snore. Well, since this little peanut has starting taking home in me, my sleep schedule looks like one of the following:

1. I sleep all night without waking up (with the exception of a bathroom break)
2. I toss and turn...listen to Mark snore....toss and turn....go to the couch in the living room...still hear Mark snoring....go back to bed and toss and turn.
3. Have crazy dreams...

About number 3. Last night I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was sleeping for only about 45 minutes when I turned over and in my dream (which totally felt real) I saw a huge, long, slithery bug with lots of legs and antennae crawling up the wall next to my bed. I screamed and yelled Mark's name. The next thing I know, Mark is looking at the wall and guess what....no bug. It was all just a dream.

Week 8 picture of belly soon to come. This time Mark will be behind the camera...we are going to make this for real this time!

1st Ultrasound....and heartbeat!

So today was our first OB appointment. Mark was lucky enough to be able to come along as well. The very first nurse we met was super nice and sweet.

Once the doctor arrived, Mark immediately knew this guy would be good. (According to Mark, he knew he would be ok cause the doctor was wearing Converse shoes without shoelaces with white socks....funny I didn't even notice.) He was willing to answer all our questions, and was just as excited I think as we were.

So we did our first ultra sound and got to hear the heartbeat and see our little bug on the screen. Here is the proud Daddy to be with our first pics! The doctor said we were measuring for a due date of March 13th, but he said March 11th is what we will stick with since it is his birthday (and my lovely sister Renee's as well).

 

 

Our next appointment will be August 22nd, where we will meet with the Nurse and go over a bunch of things such as diet and then see if blood needs to be drawn for anything.

 

Symptoms:

 

Have been feeling pretty well. Still tired when I am busy throughout the day. Still cannot stand the smell of hamburger. Feel bloated on some days.

 



Week 7

Week 7 has hit! I know I am still pretty early on in this pregnancy, but does time fly by! Here is Week 7 belly. I will have to recruit my husband to start taking some much cuter belly pictures. Maybe next week...



Pregnancy

Newest symptom: I hate the smell of hamburgers...Mark made these hamburgers and every time he warms one up I run in the other direction. My neighbor says that is a sure sign it will be a girl. Mark is still betting on a boy.

I do have some hormones raging. Just the other day I had a case of Word Vomit. Mark came home and to be honest I am not even sure what I said...I just know that for about 10 full seconds things were coming out of my mouth and it was not pretty. As soon as it came, it was over...and then I told Mark I was not quite sure where the heck that came from! Thankfully he understood---although he followed up with saying "he feels sorry for all my students this school year." He might be right.

Our first OB appointment is on for next Monday....more updates to come!

Week 6

Week 6 has arrived and left already! One week today we have our first doctor's appointment and Mark will also be able to attend. I am super excited he will get to be there because I want to make sure he is along for the ride as we go through this crazy journey.

This is my last week of summer vacation. I will be hauling Mark along to school tomorrow so I can attempt to get my room put together before the start of school next week. Next week turns into a crazy busy time, and with four new teachers on my team (6 at the grade level) I feel like I will have my work cut out for me this year!




Symptoms:
-Still have the tired spells, although not as bad as a week or two ago. (which is a relief because school is soon to start back up again)
-Been hungry! But as soon as I have food in front of me, I take a bite and I am full. Everything sounds really good, except once it is in front of me it does not seem to appealing any more!
-No food cravings as of yet -- although grapes have been tasting really great these days. (I actually bought a jar of pickles to put in the fridge just in case the craving comes!)

Week Five

Not much to brag about here...but thought I would start the belly pictures!

July 10th!

Are you serious? What?

Ok, so I am a bit in shock, well more like extreme excitement! So I was a week late for Dear Red, and thought I was just running late because I have been working out so much this summer. I kept on waiting for him to arrive, and finally got the nerve to test. I have tested before and was not expecting to see this!





 So excited that I had to call Mark in the middle of the day, just to tell him. I had thought about (before this day happened) of all the cute ways I could break the news to Mark...and well, it went totally out the window. Not only did Mark find out he would be a father today, but he also was offered the GM position at Corner Bakery after a long few months.

So now the question is how long will we be able to keep the secret from friends and family. I just got off the phone with my mother, and I literally had to bite my tongue not to say anything to her. Thank goodness Erin has not called yet, cause she will be another one where I will just have to use all my strength not to spill the beans. I talked to Renee recently as well, all so difficult to not just blurt out the news like a two year old! Well, really everyone I talk to will be seeing me fight all my energy to not say anything. Mark does not want to say anything until at least after our first appointment on July 29th. Not sure if we will make it until then.

As for the neighbors...they will find out this weekend. It is a bit difficult to sit and hang out with the neighbors without enjoying a beverage or two. So now, I need to hide out until tomorrow (7/13) until we can share the news with them...and give them a reason why I refuse to partake with a beverage from the neighbors!


This blog will remain blocked until it is time to reveal the news to friends and family.



Updates: (based on my calculations I am in my 5th week)

Signs and Symptoms:
July 3: Cried at the dentist office -- because I did not want them to test my gums. How embarrassing!

Other symptoms: Was a bit moody over 4th of July, so much so that Mark even mentioned it. Even had to run to the bathroom ALL the time! Starting earlier this week was extremely tired during the day, but would toss and turn like crazy at night. Also had headaches during the day, which is unusual for me.