12 Weeks and Linden Arrives!

We made it to 12 weeks and the doctor says everything is great!  Lots has happened this week, including the birth of Anita and Jeff's baby, Linden!  He arrived yesterday and we just got to meet him today.  It was one of the best days of my life and I am so in love with him.  Anita and Jeff are some of our dearest, closest friends, and having been so close to Anita throughout her pregnancy, I knew I would love this little guy, but I had no idea how much.  He is just perfect!  Photos below!

Size of baby: Plum! Just over 2" long and about 1/2 an ounce.

Weight gain: Same, and I still don't have a huge appetite.

Maternity clothes:  Not yet, but I have bought a few hoodies from Hollister (they have the best, softest hoodies) in a larger size so they can grow with me in the winter.

Gender: I still feel like baby is a girl.  I always thought I would have a boy, so it is funny that I'm feeling this way. We really like not knowing, though!  It is going to be a fun surprise!

Nursery: I've started sourcing some things and will post an inspiration board soon.  We have also picked up the paint!  We are using a clay-based, all natural paint with zero VOCs.  Gotta protect that precious little baby.

Development / Movement: Baby Squish is now growing rapidly as we enter the growth and maturation stage.  Baby is developing reflexes now, too!

Sleep: Still no issues with sleep.  I sleep often and I sleep well.  Starting to get a little energy back and I haven't needed a nap every single day (big changes)!

What I miss: Oysters this week.  Partly because we had an event this week where we were served oysters and I couldn't have any. 

Best moment this week: Obviously, Linden's birth!  Other news from this week: we have been furiously finishing our basement suite.  Our friends, Christie and Sheldon need to move in temporarily and we have only had about a week's notice, so we've been working madly to get it finished in time.  Not the best job for a newly pregnant lady, but Trey has been super helpful in taking on as much of the heavy stuff as possible.  I had some blood work done on Monday (one of my least favourite things about being pregnant).  Tuesday, we went out with ten of our friends to "North Vancouver Tasting Plate".  It was an awesome event.  We all visited a number of local restaurants where they had tasting plates that were indicative of their regular menus.  It was so much fun, and a beautiful day to be walking around our neighbourhood with friends and stuffing our faces!  On Wednesday, I went for pedicures and dinner with my friend, Victoria which was also lovely!  Busy week.... then, of course, Anita started going into labour Thursday night so there was a lot of activity surrounding that event!

Looking forward to: Breaking the news!  We can finally share this baby with the world and we plan to do that later this evening.

Cravings: Pizza, thanks to my dinner with Victoria at Nicli.

Symptoms: Still a tiny appetite, although I'm starting to feel like it is slowly returning.  Still exhausted and napping daily.

Workouts: Starting to get energy back and I went to the gym the other day!  Finally!

11 Weeks

Almost through the first 12 weeks!  It is crazy how common miscarriages are (1 in 5 of all pregnancies), so every week that passes, we feel better.  Can't wait to get to next week.  The reason people wait until 12 weeks to share the news is that over 80% of miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks so that is the reason for the cut-off. 

Size of baby: Lime.  1.6" and a 1/4 of an ounce.

Weight gain: Same as last week, still down a few pounds.  Doctor says it is normal because my appetite has been almost non-existent.  Apparently that will change very soon.

Maternity clothes:  No sign of a bump yet, but I did go shopping with Trey to get a few staples, just to be prepared.  Picked up a pair of leggings, a black v-neck T-shirt.  Nothing special.  Haven't needed them yet.  Do need new bras.  I'm already up a cup size.

Gender:  I had a dream this week that baby was a boy.  First one of its kind.  

Nursery: Nothing this week.

Movement: This week, baby now has a 1:1 head to body ratio.  That's a big head!  Baby is actually starting to move around in there, but of course I can't feel it yet.  Too soon for that.

Sleep: Sleeping well and sleeping lots!

What I miss: I'm feeling ok this week and just enjoying the pregnancy, food limitations and all!

Best moment this week: We bought an at-home doppler so that we can hear the baby's heart beat at home.  I can't wait to use it.

Looking forward to: Using the doppler.  I'm nervous to try it out now in case it is too soon... of course, if I don't hear baby's heart beat I will probably panic.  We'll likely try it out some time this week.

Cravings: Swedish fish.  I'm also enjoying the odd glass of chocolate milk.  I'm told to drink milk while pregnant, so why not make it chocolate?

Symptoms: Big boobs, sensitive skin, still exhausted.  My new skin care routine has helped some.

Workouts: Any day now, I swear!

10 Weeks

Size of baby: A prune.  I picture baby all wrinkly at this stage.  1.2 " and .14 ounces.

Weight gain: Down another 1.2 lbs.

Maternity clothes:  I bought the "Not everything stays in Vegas" t-shirt, but I haven't worn it yet.  I don't feel as bloated and I don't have a bump yet, so I'm back into skinny jeans.

Gender:  Still feeling like Squish is a girl, and have had a few dreams that we had a baby girl.  Once again, I have to say that I would be SO happy to have either one and of course these are just guesses.  Hubby also thinks it is probably a girl.  My Mom thinks it is a boy.  Who knows!

Nursery: I have chosen paint colours.  Gender neutral isn't always the easiest thing to do, but I think it is going to make for a very classic look.  Our finishing carpenter happily came in to help us with crown moulding and a ceiling medallion, so the first few steps are being taken!

Development / Movement: All vital organs are starting to function.  Can you believe this all happens when the baby is just about an inch long?? 

Sleep: Back to napping about 2-3 hours most afternoons.  While I am not complaining about my lack of symptoms, this does certainly affect my every day life.  Hoping to get some energy back soon.

What I miss: Wine.  Unpasteurized cheese.  Brie, goat cheese, feta, most of these are out of the question unless I am able to confirm that they're pasteurized.  I can do that if I'm buying it from the grocery,  but not if I'm at a friend's place.  Oysters.  Smoked salmon.  Poached eggs.  Anything that is not fully cooked is off the table for the next 7 months... c'est la vie!

Best moment this week: Our appointment with the new doctor could not have gone better.  We have promptly switched and are happy with our choice.  He was amazing at reassuring us and making us feel comfortable.  Other favourite moments from this week:  I had the best facial ever at Skoah. We had a lovely BBQ with our great friends, Renée and Stu on Thursday night.  I helped my friend Christie with some birthday décor crafts yesterday, and last night we had a pizza/movie night with Anita and Jeff.  Social butterflies!  We have broken the news to our very closest friends, who have been sworn to secrecy, of course.

Looking forward to: Breaking the news!  Only 2 more weeks or so until we can tell the world.  Also looking forward to more facials.  My skin has been a little weird lately, and they say it is important to have an even better skin care routine.  I think I may schedule monthly facials.  I've also ordered some organic skin care products and mineral makeup.

Cravings: Wine (haha).  Pizza.  Well, I don't know if I'm craving it, but I did have 4 pieces at Anita and Jeff's last night.  Yummy.

Symptoms: Funky skin (not cool).  Just a few minor breakouts but I don't normally have these issues.  Still tired. Huge, sore, swollen boobs (too much info?  Sorry - it is a common side effect)!

Workouts: I have a heart rate monitor and am ready to hit the gym.  Have been walking lots.  I still don't have the energy but am hoping to get it back soon.

8 & 9 Weeks

Wow! I can't believe how fast the time has gone!  I am now just over 9 weeks pregnant.  Haven't had time to blog with all of the visiting we have been doing, so I apologize for missing a week.

Size of baby: Last week (week 8), Squish was the size of a raspberry and this week (week 9), a green olive. Approximately 0.9" and now weighs in a 0.7 ounces!

Weight gain: Same as last check-in.  

Maternity clothes:  Not yet.  Found a t-shirt online that says "Not everything stays in Vegas" which I am totally going to buy (yes, we got pregnant on our anniversary weekend in Vegas so it is PERFECT for me)... but still wearing my own clothes.  Bought a few loose blouses while out shopping with the visitors this week, as I am feeling bloated, even though I haven't gained yet.  Maxi dresses are also my friend when I'm feeling this way.

Gender:  Still feeling like Squish is a girl, but I truly don't have a preference.  Trey and I have also decided that we are NOT going to find out the gender prior to delivery!

Nursery: The past week the nursery was used as a guest room for my cousin Katherine and her husband Mike.  Now that the visit is over, I'm getting excited to start the nursery.  I know it is early, but design is my thing.  I can't wait!

Development / Movement: Baby Squish is developing facial features and getting stronger, but no movement!

Sleep: Well, I made it through tons of activities without napping, but I definitely went to bed right after dinner most nights.  I'm definitely overdue for some naps.  Slept like a baby all week.  We've been busy biking, paddle boarding, hiking, shopping, eating, and exploring.  I'm not sure how I did it without falling asleep in the middle of the day!

What I miss: Wine.  I knew that would happen!  It was particularly difficult when we cooked a big Italian feast and ate it on white tablecloths, al fresco, beneath golden globe bulb lights and surrounded by candles and fresh flowers... we cracked a bottle of Chianti from our honeymoon in Italy and I had to get by with just smelling it (haha).

Best moment this week: I could never pick one.  The whole visit with Stacey, Stephanie and Joe, Katherine and Mike was totally amazing.  There were memories I will never forget!  Also our first ultrasound this past Wednesday... We saw the little heart beating and I have to say, our baby is SO cute.  Check it out below!  Also celebrated our friend Ryan's birthday last night at a great little French bistro called "Pied-à-Terre".

Looking forward to: Getting back to napping (haha).  No, seriously.   Also looking forward to seeing a new OBGYN this week that my friend (and maternity nurse, Diana) recommended.  

Cravings: Still veggie subs.  I think I'm eating a little more sugar than I normally would (gelato, froyo, homemade cookies for example), but that might also be because we were entertaining.

Symptoms: Same.  Tired.  Still no nausea, no vomiting, no other symptoms.

Workouts: We were super active all week with all of the walking, biking, water activities, etc. that we were doing.  Still not ready for the gym.  Too tired.