I've read that baby can hear now and I've been reading to him (in and out of my classroom). Some of my students talk to the baby too. It is pretty cute. They like to know what is going on and today we were talking about what we want to learn. I said I wanted to learn how to be a good mom. Ben raised his hand and informed me that I need to get a crib. They are too much fun! I think I enjoy being around them even more now that I am pregnant. I imagine our son as a 5 or 6 year old. 

I also have to be honest here and it's gross- just a warning you may not want to keep reading. I am so over the pregnancy gas. It is absolutely disgusting! Poor poor Lou- I am no longer a lady in his eyes! Even my students have felt the effects of my gas- though I don't take the blame. They are silent but deadly! It is embarrassing and I can't wait for it to go away!

Now on a nicer note, I love the baby bump. I think it is cute. Not too big, not too small. It's perfect! He has lots of room to move and I feel him move a lot. Last night Daddy felt him kicking away and commented on how much stronger the movement is getting. Being pregnant is so amazing. I am one happy lady!

Sick Mama

Yesterday I was so sick I had to go to the hospital. I couldn't keep anything in my body so my doctor told me to go over to the maternity triage. Lou was on his way to work and all I could say was, "Help me." I was nauseous, throwing up, and had diarrhea. I think it was the flu because I later got chills, body aches, and a fever. It was no fun and I was feeling okay today until about dinner time. I ate like a bird today and tried to go out for a late dinner, but my stomach just wasn't ready for it. I'm back at home in bed again tonight. 

While in the hospital the nurse was trying to listen to baby's heart through a doppler. The baby kicked that doppler right on as soon as she started to move it around! It was pretty funny. Perhaps we have a soccer player or a kicker in the womb!

Daddy then got sick on Valentine's Day, the very next day, with the very same symptoms. It only lasted for each of us for about 24 hours and we took turns taking care of one another. Now that's love!

Baby Registry and Migraines

Today I called my OB to see if I could take medication for the migraines I've been getting this week and I was asked to come in to the Doctor's office the same day. I had one on my birthday (2/9) and another two days later (2/11) that lasted into the morning. I went in for some testing and my blood pressure is okay, there is no protein in my urine, and they took blood for a metabolic screening. Baby's heart rate was between 150 and 160's which was within a normal range. All of these tests are preventive, but I was told that if I get another migraine they will refer me to a neurologist. A little bit scary, but they said they don't mess around checking things out when you are pregnant. I go back for my regular monthly appointment on Monday. 

My Mom and I registered at Babies R' Us on Tuesday. It was a little overwhelming. There are a lot of choices, but it was nice to have some help. I had done a little bit of research on some products but still need to check some things out. I did find some really cute bedding with animals and the alphabet. As a reading teacher I got excited and knew it was perfect for us! Now if I could just find cute furniture. I'd like to get a convertible set that changes over to a toddler bed. 

He has been moving around like crazy lately. He is growing and I am paying more attention. It is amazing. Today I watched as he was either kicking rather rhythmically or hiccuping and my belly was actually moving. It was great! I'm feeling closer to him every day. I can't wait to be his Mommy and meet him!

Birthday Party

I celebrated my 26th birthday last night at our favorite Mexican restaurant Via Delosantos. Many of my friends came to celebrate with me. The food was great, but the virgin Margarita was not! I tried having one but it was like drinking straight margarita mix- yuck! For the first time in over 5 months I wanted to drink, but of course I didn't. We toasted to a healthy and happy baby boy and my friends drank on my behalf. 

My actual birthday is tomorrow, Feb. 9, but I have to work then go to a training until 6:15, so my real birthday is going to be spent at home. The gift I really want is for Louie to quit smoking. He quit from June to November of '08 but has been at it again. I really hope he can do it again for him and his family! The picture to the right is the Mom and Dad to-be at 22 weeks. 

Here are a few pictures from my birthday celebration last night. 

Scott, Tina, myself, and Michelle at Via

Mark W and Lou. Mark was our roommate before he moved to Las Vegas

Nicole and I. She's getting married in one month and we will be going to her wedding. 

The Girls from Girls Night Out. Nicole, Tina, Jaci, Melanie, Maria, Michelle, and Me

We were making fun of Lou and Bill for wearing the same outfit. They were so handsome!

What's new at 21 weeks?

My hunger has been insatiable over the last week! I am hungry all the time and trying my best to eat healthy snacks like fruits and veggies. Baby must be having a growth spurt right around now. 

I have been reading about pregnancy and baby almost every day. I've read about 5 books so far and have a few others I reference each week, but am not reading cover to cover. My friend Megan let me borrow quite a few books to read, so I plan to keep reading as much as I can before he gets here. The Internet is also a great resource and I was researching the safety of vaccines last week. Education is powerful! So are other moms! I have been reaching out to the few Mommy friends that I have (Megan, Tina, and Sue) to pick their brains and hopefully create a support system. They are my Momtorage! We will have to stick together- being a mom is not easy business! 

Michelle also came with me over the last weekend to buy some maternity clothes. We found a couple of things at Old Navy, but I really need to start looking for some pants. It is tough to find long and cute maternity pants. Some of the clothes are frumpy and that's not the look I'm going for during this pregnancy.  :)

Last week I interviewed a pediatrician, Dr. Litchtsinn from Scottsdale Children's Group and really liked the office and the doctor. They got me in right away, gave me a tour, and answered all of my questions. I will be interviewing 3 doctors based on my Momtorage, OB doc, and Aunt Paula's recommendations. I hadn't really thought about the circumcision until it was brought up at the interview. I think he will have it done after his birth while still in the hospital as long as he's healthy- I'm confident he will be!