Baby's Growing

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Excuse me but I think I have to....

vomit.   As the phlebotomist was about to stick the needle in my arm, I looked up and said those exact words.  He gently lead me down the hall showed me to the bathroom that I barely made and there was lunch!  Not on a plate but in the toilet.  Homemade shrimp lo-mien that I probably shouldn't have eaten because it didn't taste right going down.  Of course embarrassed and very apologetic, I still had to give blood.  Which I did gracefully and left apologizing until I closed the door behind me.

Unfortunately that was just the beginning of a very rough day.  I couldn't hold anything down, including water, and then the dry heaves.  No fun...but as I go to bed I know the worst is behind me.


No pictures for this one....you're welcome.  I probably could have left this post out as well....but you know me!!  ;-)  








Not all doctor's appointments are the same

We decided on a OB group with about 4 doctors and I have to meet them all before giving birth. Technically you never know who's going to be standing at my feet getting the real first glance at my baby.  So we met Dr. Lorraine Rodriguez....Ugh, not a big fan.  First she was 45 minutes late, not very personable, stuck to business, and announced all my negative test results like any second she could drop some bad news.  She didn't, thank God,  but I wasn't sure until all was said and done.  She answered a couple of questions, listened to button's heartbeat, which was strong and slowing down as it should, and said nice to meet you.  In 15 minutes she was gone and I was on my way to give blood.

Oh well...you know how it goes, she'll be the one to deliver our baby.  Guess I better bring cupcakes!
   

Maternity clothes 101

I really don't need them just yet but I decided Black Friday might be a good day to see what's available for my growing belly.  I found MATERNITY PANTS, which I must ask where have you been all my life?  For example, after Thanksgiving dinner, any big meal, once a month, or ANY day I just feel fat!   Guess those aren't appropriate times but I can see a future for these pants!  LOL....just joking but they are wonderful. 

So I bought my first pair in black which I can foresee getting a lot of wash and wear.  Next week I meet with our station's consultant to talk, "how to be pregnant and still look professional on TV."   Should be fun but I can see my bank account taking a hit!   I also have a donation coming from a friend looking to get rid of some maternity clothes so hopefully I've already started the journey of dressing my stomach gracefully.  

The secret is out...

Since the last doctor's appointment was such a success it's time to tell the world we're pregnant.   And because this child has two parents on the news the world is an overstatement but it's not far fetched.  We'd figured out a plan to break the news during the 8am hour of the Morning Show.  A very ambitious, excited producer wanted to do it much bigger than I thought it deserved but I went along with the grandiose agenda of big baby breaking news!  It would be fun mainly because I was sharing the news with my TV family, who has really grown on me over the years.  They drive you crazy like family but in the end you love them and really would do most things for them.

So at the top of the hour we throw up a sonogram picture with button doing his/her thing, and the fun begins.   Huge surprise except for the people who swore they knew...which was everyone on Facebook and a few co-workers.  Nevertheless the secret is officially out and I can breathe a big belly sigh of relief!

We're out!


No more belts, no more Spanx, no more saying "boy am I getting fat" and "I sure am bloated today!"  That's not bloat that's a baby!!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Are you just saying that?

That's the quote of the week.  We had our third doctor's appointment yesterday.  Many people call it "The scary appointment."  They're looking for early markers of Downs Syndrome, Spina bifida, and several other disorders.  I was a little nervous but we said our prayers and I knew it was in God's hands not ours.  So we go in and Button, that's Boo's new temporary name, wasn't cooperating.  Button was asleep, which is so cute isn't it.  The nurse said this is a stubborn baby and sent us back to the waiting room to see if the baby would wake up.

10 minutes later, Button was ready for the show.  Awake, behaving, showing off a healthy nose and neck that the nurse said were both good signs.  In fact she said "this is very good!", to which Tarik replied...."Are you just saying that?"  I laughed, the nurse said of course not, and we collectively breathed another sigh of relief. 

My heart does go out to mothers who don't get such good news.  I don't think I've ever worried so much in my life...but that's "life" right!

Here are the latest pictures of the star of the show!





All of Button's organs and body parts are developed!

Just Chilling, maxing and relaxing   



The baby is officially the size of a peach, 2.9 inches and growing stronger everyday! Go baby, go baby go!


  
 


Excuse me...

Pregnancy stinks!! Don't get me wrong this is a wonderful experience.  I still feel great, amazing things are happening in my body, and it really is one of God's miracles.  So let me clarify, in fact examples always tell the story best.

No matter what I eat,  I'm typically a little gaseous.  Gas like I've never had before....NEVER!   The other night I was sleeping, very well I might add, and something woke me up!  It was me, it was gas, I passed it, and it sounded like construction was taking place in our bedroom.  The loudest I've ever heard.  Tarik jumped up and yelled...NO!!  If we had the warning and the equipment it would have been time for a gas mask because this smell was lethal.  Too late the damage had been done.

So you get my point pregnancy really does stink!

Spreading the good news!

First there were few, now a few more!  We're starting to tell close friends and family that we're pregnant.  The most common two reactions are...

"I knew it! and  Are you telling the truth, no way??"

These are such extremes!  Which means I've either done a great or horrible job of hiding this Major Minor secret.  I do think for most people there's a delayed reaction.  Initially there's a huge congratulations but then the next day I usually get a call or text when it really sinks in. 

We're fortunate to have wonderful friends and family who I know will babysit, bring over dinner, change diapers, clean the house, play with me and the baby, and give us lots of money.  I know I went too far but all these wonderful people are probably reading this, so feel free to do any and all of the above, especially the money part!  LOL, no really feel free!!  :-) 

Love you all!!
  

 

I feel good....so good!

James Brown said it best but I really do feel fantastic.  I feel so blessed to have only had two week of sickness during this pregnancy and that was probably from a "Spanish virus" that I picked up while we were European travelers for a week.
My schedule requires a nap so the sleepiness most people talk about in the first trimester doesn't really register because I wake up at 2:30am.  EVERYONE is sleepy at that time of the morning!  So when I come home from work I go to sleep, and it's all good.  Now, I don't think I've ever sleep so loudly before but that's Tarik's problem.  ;-) One Saturday morning, I said...

Me: "Tarik you sure do snore, loudly!"
Tarik: "Really I do?"
Me: "Yes, I had to roll you over a few times last night."

He laughed and played this......


Is this illegal taping?!?! Only one party gave permission!


Enough said....guess I can't complain!  But neither can he, I'm sleeping for two you know.... ;-)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Run Melanie Run!



I had to emcee a 5K in support of lung cancer awareness.  Since my father's passing from the disease, I'm     committed to raising awareness and dollars for screenings and new technology related to this horrible killer.  It was a bit emotional but very inspiring to see the families and survivors.  After we sent the runners/walkers to the start line, I decided I would take the challenge as well.

At first I started walking, but you all know I do enjoy running.  So I walked nearly the first mile, felt great, and decided I can do this.  So I ran!  First setting a goal of one mile and then continuing through the second finishing with pretty decent timing.  I wasn't out of breath,  felt strong, and I was very proud that I took the challenge and passed.

Of course when I got home my protective hubby wasn't so sure that running was the right move.  But I explained to him how wonderful I felt, asked him to do a little research so he could feel as confident as I do that a little running rarely injures a pregnant woman or the baby.    I rebuke gestational diabetes and now I must commit to  rebuking the drive-through and carrot cake!
Not Saturday's run, but earlier this summer!










Second Doctor's Appointment

Now that I know what to expect I figured I wouldn't cry.  But let me just say every appointment so far has included a special surprise.  We met with the nurse who was very kind, a little scary, but wonderful.  She explained all the tests I'd have to do because of that 35th birthday I just celebrated. I'm confident that everything will be fine but there are just a few confirmations of that on the radar.   I know the world is praying for us so I'm feeling pretty good about everything. 

After the briefing, the baby took center stage and I mean stage one, two, three and four.   We had another ultrasound and this time Boo was really on the move.  Turning, rolling, waving, and the most amazing activity. standing, showing off a full body shot.  It was almost unbelievable to see this living baby in my tummy.  The doctor was having fun as well.  He took 7 pictures of the acrobats.  We saw a strong beating heart, a healthy brain, hands, legs....God is amazing isn't he!  I asked the nurse afterwards, "do all babies do that?"  She said "they move but I've never seen one stand up."  Clearly boo is gifted already.  :-)

Enjoy the show!

Look mommy, I can stand up!

Hello world, are you ready for me?

Boo's doing the running man.  I think I taught him/her that during the party...LOL!




The After Party...

What a wonderful 35th birthday celebration!   Think house party circa 1997, except with more food and organization.  I didn't have serving dishes in college.  (thanks Steph and Alisa)   The DJ turned it out and I got what I wanted a dance party!   The other thing I usually want but can't indulge in, I got by the case.  Wine!!  Every person walking through the door brought a bottle of wine or liquor. I had to laugh because when they find out that I can't even take a sip it should provide some laughs.

The dress was a hit and nobody asked if I was pregnant.  I did have one person tell me I was fat, but he's like a big brother so it didn't really bother me.  The secret prevails as I sipped a non-alcoholic cocktail, danced the night away, and crashed to sleep after a very successful house party.  Couldn't have done it without my girls or my boy!  (aka: husband extraordinaire)

My boy!
My Girls!

Now this is a party!
My fun neighbors

Don't stop get it get it!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Party time!

I'm 10 weeks pregnant!  Which is very exciting because the doctor told Tarik and me that at this point the possibility of complications drops dramatically.  So on my 35th birthday I celebrate a younger milestone, the little prune (that's boo's size), growing diligently in my body. 

To celebrate my birthday Tarik and I are throwing a paaaaaartay!  Have you ever been to a Major/Minor bash?  Let me just say we do it big.  This time we have a DJ, strobe lights (ambiance is everything), my name in lights, a fire pit, yummy food, carrot cake, sangria, and friends who will dance the night away!

Tarik has worked like a champ all week long setting up, doing something every day to prepare for the extravaganza.  Now the dilemma, which is nothing new people, hiding my baby bloat and the fact that I'm alcohol free.  God bless me!

I'm going shopping today, wish me luck, pictures to come!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Secret Keeper?


Let me first say, as a pre-teen/teenager girl my mom would say, "Melanie that's family business, you shouldn't tell people that!"  I was old enough to know better but I just wanted to share.  I ALWAYS want to share.  As an adult I find myself having to cut off friends for periods of time because I'm not allowed to tell a secret.  Now that I hold the biggest secret in my tummy for two more secret weeks, let me just say THIS IS TOUGH!  Not only because I want a little sympathy when I'm not feeling 100% but because I just want to celebrate this huge development in my belly.  But most pregnant women live through this period, so despite my motormouth I think I can survive keeping the secret another 16 days.  (yes I'm counting)  

That's if my body doesn't betray me.  I'm doing pretty good finding outfits that hid my bloated tummy but today I must say, I failed.  I'm on display 5 days a week on TV and people have been asking me for months, "Are you pregnant?"  My reply, "No just fat!"  But today I should have left my jacket unbuttoned...ugh!  See below why my tummy almost told my secret....


Look at the button it's screaming!
Not a good look unless you're pregnant.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Dedicated to future daddy

This post is dedicated to a very excited, devoted, optimistic, prayerful, concerned husband.  I caught him last night with his hand hovering over my stomach.  It woke me up and I didn't know what was going on?  Of course I was a little disoriented, I believe he was praying for his little son or daughter. 

Tarik is very understanding, loving, and internet savvy.  So pretty much everything I want to do he sends me an article as to why that's not safe for the baby.  I know there's another article that refutes that opinion, but then he hits me with, "you don't want to risk it, do it?"  And what can I say but of course not!  ;-)

Here's my handsome hubby!

Gotta Love Him!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

First Doctor's Appointment

We went to see our doctor on Tuesday and I wasn't sure what to expect.  Clearly, I'm highly emotional because when I found out the doctor would check for the baby's heartbeat I started to cry and Tarik started laughing!  ;-)    After weighing in, blood pressure (which was high because of nervousness), and a few dozen questions, it was time to see the baby!

First Baby Picture!



Dr. Baird said boo was 8 weeks, give or take a day, and looked healthy.  A racing heart beat of 168 beats per minute, he or she must have been nervous too.   The size of a raspberry but I can already tell very cute! 

Look at that heartbeat!











Saturday, October 15, 2011

6 weeks Pregnant....in Spain!





We both felt like we had the biggest secret in the World and wanted to announce to a bunch of Spanish strangers who could care less that's we're having a baby!   We had a beautiful trip, lots of jamon (ham), walking, sightseeing, seeping in culture.  Our baby has already traveled abroad! ;-)


The fun parts...deleting pictures that show my bloated stomach, avoiding the wine, "whine", wine, gas (sorry), a tender tummy, and not being my typical 110% ball of let's go go go!  (I was 95%, LOL)

Sharing the good news!

Pack for Spain, work, clean, baby announcement?  How did this happen?  It's Friday and after not seeing Tarik since Wednesday, for an hour,  Friday just arrived.  I worked the morning shift and didn't leave the job with much time to spare.  I had to run to the library, purchase travel shoes, grab lunch for us both, finish packing, and tell my love we're having a baby, baby!   Lord help me.  But the joy I felt when I saw that positive test was indescribable, that's it, the test!

Me: "Honey I'm home, want to take a pregnancy test before we go to Spain?"
Tarik: "Huh, sure..."
Me: "OK"
Tarik:"Can we look"
Me: "Sure"

(DANCE BREAK, PRAISING GOD, PURE EXCITEMENT)

Tarik: "Are you sure that's right?"
Me:  "Uh yes, we're pregnant.  Now let's go to the airport before we miss our plane!"

Baby confirmation!

This time I bought 3 fool proof digital tests that would read pregnant or not pregnant.  Thinking I can't mess this one up...let's do this!  Ok.....waiting...wishing....praying.....confirmation!

We're pregnant....no confusion here!




Now the fun part how would I share the good news with the hubby.  He's going to be on top of the world, literally!   I have to think this one through, don't forget we leave for Spain in two days and we're on opposite schedules.  But I'm a journalist creativity runs through my veins....let me think!

Baby confusion?

Tarik and I were leaving for Spain in 5 days and I THINK that's the biggest news on my radar this week. Baby was I wrong!  Baby was right, I took a pregnancy test on my own Tuesday morning because I was a week late.  At first glance it looked negative but at second, third, fourth, fifth,(you get my point) that second line was faint but there.  Still not convinced I kept my mouth shut and went to buy more tests. I would wait a couple of days and try my luck. Just to keep you in the loop I misread a test a couple months back, DRAMA, wasn't going to make that mistake again!  See below why there was confusion...

Is that a second line I see??