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.... ;-)

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!