Week 21

Saturday night, after working the day on putting up a banister, there were somersaults.  That's what it felt like anyway. Not me, the baby! He was rolling all over the place. Yesterday morning, he kicked me hard enough that I felt it on my hand and not just in my belly.  It's really nice that I can finally feel the movement and I am sure it's him and not just some crazy gas bubble.

Home renovations! The banister is DONE! and BEAUTIFUL!

Before-ish (It's the only one I could find, old 2x4 banister to the right):

After:

 Cinder is very confused as she can no longer reach the front door from the upper landing to greet guests.  Only 4.5 months to go to finish baseboards, finish a wall and door downstairs, get new carpet, and move furniture around to get a baby's room before the baby gets here.

~While typing this post, baby was moving all about :)
 

Week 20

I had a very vivid dream the other night where I teamed up with Santa Claus and we flew to the North Pole of Narnia where we could build up our army.  Aslan and the White Witch decided to work together so we could all defeat the pink army of Umbridge.

Last night I dreamed that I was stuck in a maze-like house where I was the Doctor's companion (10's) and we had gotten separated and I had to figure out which doors were unlocked and what trapdoors worked (I fell through one and I remember floating through the room).  I did find the Doctor in the end!

I hope these vivid, overtly nerdy dreams are an indicator that we are going to have an awesome child!

Anyway, as many probably already know, we are having a BOY! I had a dream about that before the ultrasound as well :)

The ultrasound went great and everything seems to be healthy and developing normally.  I am only 3 days off size-wise of my due date, so it remains the same (they only change it if it is 10 or more). So, December 8th remains! Though, Matt's hoping it waits until the 14th so we can go see The Hobbit at midnight...

I am still sick and pretty uncomfortable most of the time.  The 2nd trimester has been a little bit easier than the first, but nowhere near as hunky-dory as people make it sound- not many people seem to have morning sickness throughout their pregnancy, but I am meeting more and more who were like me.

Baby research will soon FRY MY BRAIN.  So many diapers! So many cribs! The book Baby Bargains has been amazing! (Thank you, Diana, for that recommendation!) Today is a reading day!

BRING ON THE BABY-LEARNING!

Week 19

I felt it move :)

There were two points yesterday where I was like.. "was that..?" "Did it move?" But I had a hard time deciphering it from gas bubbles that are also common during pregnancy..

This morning, however, I am pretty positive. I woke up around 5 (Matt was up early for work) and rolled over to my left side.  It felt like I ate a burrito and that burrito did a somersault. Or that something was petting my insides, trying to get out.  It was a little different feeling than a gas bubble.  After about an hour (yeah.. no falling back asleep for me) I was partially on my back, waiting to see if I felt anything else.  I lightly pushed my belly, squishing things around.  It seemed to have awaken something.  The movement was more obvious and squirmy, but very fun.

I am fine after my little fall scare, my knee is the only lingering pain (I took a good chunk out of it.)

My cousin, Kevin, seems to be fighting back really hard and is making a lot of progress. He moved his legs a little this weekend, which is fantastic! They now have him working his leg muscles, trying to get more movement and control.  It's a slow, frustrating process, but we are all getting more hopeful and Kevin is definitely not giving up. Please take a minute to visit his Caring Bridge site for updates and information: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kevinmarquis

Busy week ahead! Meetings about wedding gowns, vet appt for Cinder and my 20 week ultrasound on Friday.  Boy or Girl? What's it gonna be?  (Psst.. I had a dream it was a boy. So I am either prophetic, or it's going to be a girl to spite my dream)

Mid 18/19 Week Update

Because the last few days have been crazy.

First of all, Monday started with a dentist appointment.  A horrible, horrible dentist appointment.  I had two cavities filled, and one of them was half of my tooth.  I now have half a fake porcelain tooth.  I have a great dislike of the dentist, it's so painful for me, and I just really have problems with people digging around in my mouth.  If I have more cavities after my next check-up (which I probably do because it's me) then I am waiting until after the baby is born to get them taken care of.  It was already uncomfortable enough laying on my back for that long, don't wanna do it when I am 7/8 months along...

Yesterday, I joined my family in visiting my cousin in the hospital.  Kevin looked a lot better than I had expected and I am so proud of him.  He can move his arms and hands a bit, and that movement is improving.  He is also ahead of schedule with his physical therapy.  It might take time, but I am confident that he will improve and do really well whether he regains full movement in his legs or not.

Now, last night was a really bad night...

I woke up around 2 in the morning, headed towards the bathroom in a very groggy state and completely forgot about the gate keeping the dog in the room (which is a first).  I tripped on the gate, skinned my knee and landed full force on the top of the gate with my belly.  I kind of freaked out a bit, though there was not a whole lot of pain.

Matt drove me to the ER, because any direct blow (and it was hard) to the stomach has to be checked out.  The doctor looked at my knee, which was just skinned, and I got an ultrasound to make sure everything was okay.  Everything seems to be in order, the baby was moving and the heartbeat was regular, but I was told to come back in with any new pain or bleeding.  So far, so good, but I don't think I have ever been so scared. 

We're not going to use the gate anymore. We are going to test Cinder and see how she does with the open door at night. (for those who don't know: we use the gate because our bedroom gets really hot and the cats like to cry when the door is closed).  But Cinder is pretty good on her own and likes to be near us anyway, I think she'll be fine at night.

Today, I am mainly just sore, but no big pain. I am a little bruised, and I also seemed to have broken one of my toenails (it's pretty purple).  I am usually very clumsy, but I had been good for the past 4 months. Of course, the first time I fall with the baby, it's a direct blow to the abdomen.

Week 17 & 18

Week 17: Not much happening except frantic finishing of costumes and a very sleepless night in which my morning sickness took over.  This prompted a doctor's visit and I am now on anti-nausea medication.

Then came CONvergence. An epic weekend in which I slept little and was on my feet for 4 days.  I felt pretty great over the weekend, made sure to keep myself hydrated and well fed.  Matt, Baby and I had a blast!  My baby bump was barely noticeable for the most part, until I put on my Jasmine costume.  The princesses belly danced away and we won a masquerade award for Workmanship Honorable Mention, which we were all ecstatic about!  I had my first random woman come up and touch my belly, which was cute.  (The kisses are from Kara and Sean...)

I also went to more party rooms this year than ever before.  I don't normally visit them, because I am not a big drinker and they mostly serve alcohol.  However, the year I absolutely can't drink anything, I find myself exploring! I found crackers and easy cheese, and the orange party room was everything I had hoped for (gummy orange slices, cheesy poofs, and orange soda!).  I ate icys from Mos Icy Cantena (so delicious, especially when the party area got pretty hot).

The convention itself was a great time, though I'm hoping for a better room next year. 15th floor, and I had requested a 4 person room and got one for 2... then one of the elevators broke down.  I will be more diligent this year when getting a room! *determined* I will also have the baby next year, so a lower floor would be preferred.

Although con was a great time, something far more serious happened over the weekend.  I didn't want to bring it up with everyone there, but I will bring it up now.

My cousin Kevin was in a serious diving accident on the 4th of July.  He crushed part of his spine and had surgery last week.  He can move his arms and hands, but is paralyzed from the waist down.  He is beginning rehab treatment, but he might never walk again.  Please send any thoughts, prayers, good vibes to him and his family for his full recovery.  Kevin is one of the strongest people I know, and although we have grown apart through the years, I still consider him one of my best friends and closest family members.  We are all hoping for the best, but the path ahead is unclear and we are all prepared to support him in whatever comes next.