Merriest of Christmases: Week 12

We're 12 weeks! 12 weeks! 1 more week to go. Woohooo!

It is definitely a very MERRY Christmas this year. We have SO much to be thankful for and feel very blessed that we're starting our own little family. This will be our last Christmas as a family of two, as next year we'll have our little love bug!

We've finally started sharing the news with family and friends and it feels AMAZING :) Everyone has been thrilled and so happy for us, so it just makes this whole experience that much sweeter.

My cold is still hanging on a bit, but otherwise I'm feeling good. Tired, but good.

Sadly, we don't have any more ultrasound pics to share! It feels so weird not going to the doctor each week. I want to see how big Baby Yant is now! Ha :)

12 weeks!

Here's my little belly at 12 weeks. I'm not sure it looks very different from the past few weeks, but I feel like I've got a little something :) The baby is now the size of a PLUM! 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Grow baby, grow!

How far along: 12 weeks

Baby's size: Plum

Weight gain: 1-2 pounds (woohoo!)

Symptoms: I'm feeling good (minus the cold)! Food aversions are pretty much gone (minus eggs and chicken) and I feel pretty darn good.

Pregnancy perks: Sharing our pregnancy news with family and friends! It feels SO good to share the news!

Food aversions: Chicken and eggs (although I can eat chicken if it's in something).

Food cravings: Orange juice. Need a glass when I wake up every morning. 

Lukas keeps asking when I'm going to start having cravings as this whole pregnancy thing has been a gyp for him :) Ha. 

7 Eleven: Week 11

We had our first OB appointment this week and our last appointment with our fertility specialist! We're moving up in the world :)

It's going to be a weird feeling not having a doctor's appointment each week where we get to see a glimpse of our little love bug. I guess it's a good thing, though, that everything is going well and we don't need to come in on a weekly basis.

Here's a pic of our last ultrasound.

11 week ultrasound!

We're technically 11 weeks 6 days here, but as you can see, Baby Yant is growing like crazy! His/her heart is beating a strong 152 beats per minute, she's 1.6 inches long and weighs .25 ounces and she's moving around like crazy. She's moving her arms and legs around and you can see her little fingers and toes. How sweet!

I was feeling much better this week pregnancy symptom-wise, but I came down with another bad cold :( Being pregnant and being sick is not fun at all. The cold totally knocked me out and I've been super congested and junky. Not fun. Hopefully this is my LAST sickness of the season!

11 weeks!

How far along: 11 weeks

Baby's size: Lime

Weight gain: I still haven't gained much, if anything, and being sick didn't help. 

Symptoms: I'm feeling much better. Nausea is pretty much gone and food aversions are starting to get better too. Otherwise, I'm still very tired, but feeling pretty good.

Pregnancy perks: Having our first OB appointment is making this experience feel more REAL. We're almost done with the first trimester! 

Food aversions: Chicken and eggs. 

Food cravings: Orange juice

Keep on, keeping on Baby Yant! We're almost there :)

Oh, Baby: Week 10

This post is a few days late (oops!) as it's been a REALLY busy week. Work has been crazy and we've had a few doctor appointments and, let's just be honest, I've been tired and lazy.

SO, we're thrilled that we're 10 weeks and everything is going great! We had our more in-depth ultrasound this week at Hinsdale Hospital (where we'll deliver) and it was pretty awesome as our little love bug is finally starting to look like a baby! See below.

10 week ultrasound

Isn't that just precious? Baby Yant just kicking it :) While we were there he/she was really active and moving around like crazy. It was so cool to see him wave his hands around and kick his little legs. It's definitely starting to feel more real now. I just keep starring at the picture... it is still really unbelievable to think that a little human is growing inside me. SO cool.

I almost forgot to take my 10 week picture this week (can I blame pregnancy brain!?). So, technically this picture is from 10 weeks 6 days, but it's still 10 weeks. And, I look terrible because yesterday was a really long day, but hey. Here is my little burgeoning belly bump.

10 weeks!

How far along: 10 weeks

Baby's size: Prune

Weight gain: Pretty sure I gained 1lb this week! But, I didn't have my "official" weigh in at the doctor's office this week because we had our ultrasound at the hospital

Symptoms: Nausea has been better! Food aversions are starting to get better too... still can't look at eggs or chicken or eat yogurt... but I've had more of an appetite. Breakouts continue (not cool!). Otherwise, I'm still very tired, but feeling pretty good.

Pregnancy perks: Reaching 10 weeks feels pretty damn, good! I can't wait to start sharing the news!

Food aversions: Pretty much same as last week, chicken, milk, eggs, yogurt.

Food cravings: Orange juice, deep dish pizza!

We only have one appointment left with our fertility specialist and then we transfer to our OB! Pretty exciting times that we're almost done with our first trimester. Woohoo!

Giving Thanks: Week 9

We are truly blessed this Thanksgiving (a few days late!). We are thanking our lucky stars for our little baby to be and are so grateful each and every day. 

This post comes a few days late as I've been down with a bad cold the past few days. Of course, it's just my luck that I get sick on Thanksgiving and have to spend the rest of the weekend recovering on the couch. And all those cold meds that you take for granted... no more... you've just got to battle it out the old fashioned way. Lots of rest. Fluids. More rest.

Of course, they say it's okay to take Tylenol and Sudafed, but it's still early in the pregnancy and I would rather err on the side of caution.  Thankfully, I'm on the mend and baby is doing just fine!

I think that's the worst part, you're sick, but you're more concerned that you're not harming the baby and that they're doing okay... I guess that's parenthood, right? 

We are officially 9 weeks 4 days today! Woohooo! 1 day closer to the end of the first trimester. SO close. See our latest ultrasound below.

Ultrasound and heartbeat at 9.5 weeks!

Ultrasound at 9 weeks!

Our little love bug is growing like crazy. He/she is the size of a green olive, measuring .9 inches and .07 ounces. I love seeing how big he/she grows each week. Next week we go in for a more in depth ultrasound at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. I'm excited for that :) And, I'm REALLY excited to start sharing the news... it's been so hard keeping this a secret. I just want to shout it from the rooftops. Soon.

9 weeks!

How far along: 9 weeks

Baby's size: Green olive

Weight gain: Nothing yet, since I was sick this week I may have dropped a little... but I'm working on it!

Symptoms: Nausea hasn't been too bad this week (or I'm just getting used to it). I think the food aversions have been the worst. Food just doesn't sound good to me, and I LOVE food... I have the hardest time trying to find things to eat that have enough protein. I'm hoping my appetite comes back, soon! Otherwise, I've just been VERY TIRED. I don't know if it's the combo of the cold and the pregnancy, but I've been wiped out.


Pregnancy perks: I have to say my doting husband takes the cake this week. He has been extremely generous and kind, and has been such a good care taker while I've been sick. I know that he will be such a wonderful father :)

Food aversions: Food aversions continue. Blah! Chicken was really not doing it for me last night... couldn't do it. Milk, eggs, yogurt... gross, gross, gross. But, if these foods are hidden within other foods, think chicken burrito or breakfast sandwich, I can do it. 

Food cravings: Orange juice, for sure! Need a glass (at least 1) every day.

Otherwise, I really can't complain. I am just thrilled that baby is healthy and right on track.

Our Little Raspberry: Week 8

I'm feeling much, much better about things this week, thank goodness!

We had a great doctor's appointment on Thursday and the doctor said that all looks good. No need to stay off my feet or worry. Whew!

I'm really tired tonight (surprise!) so this post is going to be super short and sweet.

Our little love bug is really starting to take shape this week and he/she is growing like crazy (1 mm each day!)  See below.

8 week ultrasound!

Baby is the size of a RASPBERRY this week. Measuring in at .63 inches and .04 oz. It almost looks like you can make out the baby's head. How cool is that!?! His/her heartbeat is a whopping 167 beats per minute and all is going well. Grow baby, grow!

8 weeks!

There's still not much to see, but it looks like my belly is growing a little bit (or I just had a really big breakfast).

How far along: 8 weeks

Baby's size: Raspberry

Weight gain: Nothing really yet.

Symptoms: Nausea continues, and it comes and goes. Yesterday I felt pretty good all day, today not so much. My stomach was queasy pretty much all day. I just lose my appetite or need to eat dry, bland foods. It's not terrible, no vomiting (knock on wood.) Overall, I feel pretty good. Very tired, sore boobs, but that goes with the territory.


Pregnancy perks: Resting, relaxing and not feeling bad about it. I'm making a baby in there, and it's hard work! And obviously, we're still overjoyed with the news (and can't wait to share it soon!).

Food aversions/cravings: For some reason, milk is just not doing it for me. I determined if I have a bowl of cereal in the morning, it makes me nauseous. Odd, right? Most dairy products (besides cheese) don't sound good... no cravings yet. Maybe juice? I've never been a big juice drinker, but I was craving OJ this morning like crazy. Gotta get that vitamin C.

Speaking of food cravings, let's just say my husband was lamenting this week that I haven't had any cravings yet... and what fun was that for him!?! Ha :) You just wait...

More to come soon!

Lucky Number 7: Week 7

We're 7 weeks! Woohoo. 1 week closer to the end of the first trimester. 7 weeks down, 6 weeks to go!

This week was a bit stressful, not going to lie. I went in for our weekly appointment on Thursday and my doctor was OOO on vacation, so one of the nurses did my ultrasound. I am always excited and anxious for our appointments, as I can't wait to see how much our baby has grown and I'm anxious to hear that everything is okay. But, this week's appointment left me feeling a bit uneasy.

As I was laying on the table, legs in stirrups (which is always just the most comfortable experience) and the nurse was doing the ultrasound, it seemed like she was having a difficult time. She was waving the probe around inside me, back and forth, all over the place, and not saying anything to me. Hello, I am a person here. I'm laying on the table in front of you, want to tell me what's going on?

I was a bit concerned.

Finally, she pulled up the image of the baby (he/she is growing, see the ultrasound pic below!) and got the baby's heartbeat. A strong 111 beats per minute. Whew, we have a heartbeat. The baby is okay!

Ultrasound at 7 weeks!

"Everything looks good. My only concern is that I saw something over here." She points to the monitor, where there was a darker area outside of the yolk sac. "Have you had any spotting?" she asked.

"No, I haven't had any spotting." I responded.

"Okay, good. Well just try and rest whenever you can and stay off your feet. Call us if you get any spotting." She told me.

"Is there something I should be concerned about? Is everything okay?" I asked

"Nothing to worry about, everything is fine. Just try and take it easy."

Try and take it easy? Rest whenever I can. Stay off my feet? What does this mean? Do I need to be on bed rest? Can I still go to work? WTF!?

Of course, my mind was racing and I started thinking about worse case scenario. Is my baby okay? How am I supposed to relax after she tells me that? I called Lukas to tell him about the appointment and he was just as concerned as I was. SO, I called the doctor's office back and asked if they could elaborate. Can I still go to work? What do they mean by stay off my feet?

The nurse reassured me that everything was fine, and that I could still go to work. But, I should just to rest whenever I could and stay off my feet for long periods of time, and to call if I had any spotting. Okay...

SO, I tried my best not to worry about it and told myself that if something were REALLY wrong, they would do something about it right away, and not just let me go about my day. I've done my best to try and keep my mind off it... but let's just say that I REALLY look forward to our appointment next week (when my doctor returns) so we can finally get some answers.

7 weeks!

There's nothing much to see yet, but Baby Yant is growing! He/she has doubled in size from last week.

How far along: 7 weeks

Baby's size: Blueberry

Weight gain: Nothing yet... my doctor said I lost 1lb this week, but that's not true. On my scale, I weighed the same. My weight fluctuates based on time of day, what I ate, when I went to the bathroom... all that jazz. SO, I just need to make sure that I'm eating enough for our little love bug (300 more calories a day)

Symptoms: I'm beginning to feel more nauseous this week. The day that week 7 hit, my nausea increased. It comes in waves, but it's made me lose my appetite and food has not been as appealing. Otherwise, everything is the same. Tired, moody, breakouts. Lots of fun stuff :)  

Pregnancy perks: Honestly, I still can't believe we're pregnant! There are times when I go about my day, and I almost forget... and then I think, OMG, we're going to have a baby! It's been a roller coaster of emotions. My hubby has been wonderful and doting, and he won't let me carry anything... so that's been very sweet.

Food aversions/cravings: I made the mistake of eating eggs this week when my stomach was uneasy. Not good. I knew I needed to get my protein, so I thought I would give it a shot. Bad decision. Chicken, also not appealing. Or yogurt... something about the texture... Let's just say we stocked up on saltines this week.

Send positive vibes our way!

My Heart Skipped a Beat: Week 6

We had our first ultrasound this week. And, it was AMAZING!

Nothing quite prepares you for the feeling when you look on the monitor and see a glimpse of your baby for the first time. Albeit as teeny tiny and he/she may be, it was unbelievable.

Here's a picture of our little sweat pea at 6 weeks.

Ultrasound at 6 weeks!

He/she doesn't look like much yet. But it's there, and growing. The black blob is the yolk sac and the little white circle inside is the embryo. It's pretty amazing to think the a little life is growing inside of me.

After seeing our little pea the doctor asked if we wanted to hear the heartbeat. The heartbeat. At 6 weeks, this teeny tiny little embryo already has a heartbeat. How cool is that? It's unreal. 104 beats strong and growing.

So far, everything is going well and I'm feeling good. As you can see, I can't contain my joy! We continue to be cautiously optimistic, since it still is very early, but we feel confident that we're in good hands. Due to our situation, we go in weekly for ultrasounds and blood work, and I'm very thankful for that. It's reassuring to know that we're being monitored so closely. Keep on keeping on, Baby Yant!

6 weeks

How far along: 6 weeks

Baby's size: Sweet pea


Weight gain: Negligible (nothing really yet)

Symptoms: Pretty much the same as last week. Tired (can I take a nap, please!?!). A little moody. A few waves of nausea, but nothing too terrible. Hopefully it continues this way!


Pregnancy perks: Since we saw our little sweet pea this week, I am just SO happy and so so thankful that we're pregnant and that everything is going well so far. We've waited a long time for this to happen, and I'm so thankful that it finally has :)

Overall, the hardest part has been keeping this a SECRET! We told our families, but otherwise we haven't told anyone else. Many of my close friends know that we're going through fertility treatment and are probably wondering if we're pregnant or not... I've been fielding phone calls (sorry friends!) as I am the worst liar (ever!) and have a feeling that I'll automatically spill the beans. I'm going to *try* to wait a few more weeks before we start sharing the news.

The Phone Call: Week 5

Little did I know that one phone call would change my life life forever. 

"Are you sitting down... are you ready to hear the good news?" My heart raced as I began to realize what was happening...

"You are pregnant!" My doctor said. "Congratulations!" 

I automatically burst into tears (which seems to be my M.O. lately) as I couldn't believe it. OMG. OMG. We are pregnant! We are pregnant! The procedure worked. We are finally pregnant!!! OMG.

The rest of the phone call was a bit of a blur... the test results were great so far... a nurse would call to schedule an appointment... congratulations... I tried to utter a semblance of gratitude to my doctor between sobs... or at least I hope I did. I was in shock. The best and happiest form of shock there is.

WOW.

I immediately called my husband at work and burst into tears all over again as I relayed the good news.

"We're pregnant!" I blurted as soon as he picked up.

"What?"

"We're pregnant!" I said again.

"What? We are!?!" Lukas said in shock. "I think the expression on my face is scaring people... people are looking at me funny..."

It took a few minutes for those words to sink in. We are pregnant. We are going to have a baby. We are going to be parents. WOW.

It was the BEST news. EVER.

And, so it begins... our long awaited journey to parenthood has finally arrived!

We are in the very early stages of pregnancy. 5 weeks and 2 days, to be exact. SO, we are very cautiously optimistic at this point. But,  I wanted to start from the very beginning and chronicle our story. Our baby's story.

Here we go!

5 Weeks

How far along: 5 weeks, 2 days


Baby's size: Orange seed

Weight gain: 0 lbs (nothing yet, but I'm working on it!)


Symptoms: FATIGUE. I'm tired!!! And, my boobs are sore. They're slowly getting bigger (yay!)

Pregnancy perks: Milkshakes (with a side of burger and fries)! Letting myself rest, relax and watch "Pretty Little Liars" (no judgement) with no shame...

Overall, I'm feeling good. No nausea yet (knock on wood). Let's hope it continues. We go in for our 6 week appointment (and our first ultrasound!) next Thursday. More news to come!