Bump update: Weeks 13-16

I promised myself I wouldn't slack when it came to documenting this pregnancy.  Despite feeling disconnected from writing lately {due in large part to ridiculous headaches I've been having} I've still kept up with my weekly bump pics and updates.  Finally getting around to posting them here.

Gender reveal + weeks 11 & 12

I'm a little behind and have some catching up to do.  Here are weeks 11 & 12.  Can't believe I'm kissing the first trimester goodbye.  I'm excited for the feel good high of trimester 2! Goodbye nausea, food aversions, and sloth tendencies. 

Aaaahhhh!  Yes, it is indeed a girl.  We are over the moon with excitement and couldn't be happier to be giving Elena a little sister.  I would've sworn up and down that this was a little boy.  I thought the same thing with Elena.  I have just felt so different this pregnancy.  I suppose it's just proof that every pregnancy is different, regardless of the sex.

The doctor called me last Monday (only a week after having the blood test) and gave us the wonderful news that all the chromosomal tests came back normal.  Feeling so blessed.  Paul was at the gym- I so wished he was home when I got the call, but he was home shortly after.  He guessed girl immediately....I'm sure it was written all over my face.  He was so, so excited.

Everybody asks, "Was Paul upset it wasn't a boy?"  Honestly?  He wasn't.  He "gets" girls now.  Being a girl Daddy.  He loves it and cherishes the special bond between a father and daughter.  He did have a look of "Oh Shit" in his eyes though, imagining 2 sweet sixteens, 2 weddings, 2 dance classes.  Good thing he is such a saver!

Giving Elena a sister is such a gift.  A built in bestie.   A confidant.  Someone to share clothes and secrets with.   I pray that they are close and that they will love each other fiercely.  That they will always be able to rely on one another and hold each other up in hard times.  That they will praise and celebrate one another in good times.  That they are always there for one another.  I cannot wait to watch them love and grow together.  This feels so right for our family.  My heart is full. 

10 weeks

I've been so happy to have had Paul home since last Wednesday.  Yes, you heard that right.  7 nights of him home.   We've been loving it up.  He leaves tomorrow but will be back Friday.  I'll take it. 

I haven't been loving the fact that I get hardly any face time with the computer when Paul's around.  He's a workaholic and uses our computer and his work laptop simultaneously when he's home.  Which means no computer for me.  Which means no blogging for me, either.  He has an iPad, but honestly?  Typing on that is not my idea of a good time.  Neither is blogging from my phone.  Oh, hell no.  There are talks of maybe getting me another Mac book so he can just have the old one all to himself.  Yay.  I like that idea. 

So, I'm behind.  But have lots to talk about in the coming days.  Starting with my10 week bump update.  Despite the fact that I'm 11.5 weeks.   I said I was behind.  I'll get the 11 week update on here before I hit the 12 week mark on Saturday.  Promise. 

Also....Also....I'll be doing the GENDER REVEAL this week, so stay tuned!  We got the results from our MaterniT21 test last night.  Weeeee!  So exciting!

9 weeks

So I intended to post this on Saturday when I was actually 9 weeks but it obviously didn't happen.  In fact, it's pretty much a miracle that it's even happening now, considering my getting-things-done-o-meter is still on empty.  But, documenting this pregnancy is important to me and keeping up with my blog is, as well, so I'm getting it done.  I've got the Bachelor on for motivation.  Nothing like a bunch of bikini clad crazies crying over beach volleyball to make you feel capable.

This week was pretty much the same as the last, with the exception that Elena and I actually left the house...which was great for our cabin fever.  I still have a cough, but overall we are both feeling so much better.  I find that if I get out and do something, breaking up the day a bit, we are both much happier.   I feel like a crappy, lazy Mom otherwise and  it's terrible.  I haven't been the best playmate for her lately so it was good to get her out of the house.  Must remember that when I feel like I have no energy to do a damn thing. 

My progesterone shots are my biggest complaint this week.  I am so grateful that I'm still taking them.  It means I'm pregnant and it's sustaining this growing life inside of me.  But for some reason, this time around, they are awful.  I can hardly walk and my lower back just sort of blends into my butt because the lumps are so big.  They don't hurt going in, it's the afterburn.  Like two dead legs but in your butt.  I've been having the nurse at my OB do them when Paul is away because I just couldn't do them myself any longer.  It's a huge waste of time but it's the only choice I've got at the moment.  My last shots are on February 2nd.  Holler.

Per the usual, I count down the days until Paul comes home.  He is such a big help when he's here.  Just someone else to play with Elena, change her diaper, fold laundry, take out the trash.  He really is a doer and doesn't stop the entire time he's home.  I'm very lucky.  I cried today when he left and I felt bad, knowing it's hard enough on him to leave us as it is.  But it's hard.  I hate goodbyes.

My belly feels a little bigger this week.  I haven't gained any weight but my pooch is sticking out a little bit more.  I can't wait until it looks like a cute baby belly and not just a spare tire sort of gut thingy.  I'm living in my leggings, yoga pants, and skinny jeans, which are nice and stretchy, so hopefully they fit a while longer.

Food is still unappealing when I think of it.  I miss craving and enjoying things like guacamole and coffee.  I've survived this week on a gross combo of veggie subs from Subway with lots of vinegar or Spagettio-o's.  With meatballs.  Cue vomiting.  I know.  This is coming from someone who was a vegetarian for 11 years and still is weird with meat. I also load it with parmeasan cheese.  Not sure but I think it makes me feel like it's less Honey Boo Boo more gourmet that way.   I've also been able to start eating ice cream this week.  High fives all around. Peanut Butter Panic, to be exact.  It's reaaaaaallll good.  Peanut butter and Jelly is still my friend, too, and I'm pretty sure mainlining OJ is in my future at the rate I'm drinking it. 

I'm excited to meet my new OB this week.  Have my first "real" appointment Thursday!