Always HUNGRY & other side effects of pregnancy

Well I'm 16 weeks today! Here's last weeks' photo...

Belly is becoming firm and definitely growing! I have been experiencing round ligament pains from all of the stretching and growing! Good signs, but definitely can cause me to catch my breath now and then. I'm starting to use the rubber band technique instead of actually buttoning my pants... and I use the Belly Band a dear friend sent me as well. I'm so thankful warmer weather is coming so I can wear dresses and skirts- WAY more comfortable.
I am hungry ALL of the time suddenly. Even after I've eaten a meal I do not feel full. So far I'm doing good, not giving in to the temptation to eat more than I need, but it's HARD! My ONLY craving so far has been Coca Cola! And yes, I give in. Not everyday... but frequently enough. I didn't drink it before, but for some reason now my mouth just waters thinking about it. I'm gonna pause my writing and go grab a Coke before I continue... :)

 I've been attending bootcamp in the morning's still, and that has helped with energy as well as just making me feel better about myself. It's also helped keep off excess weight... I believe the 10 pounds I have gained are right on schedule with baby. :)  Hoping I can continue throughout pregnancy!

As of my last appointment this past week I have been moved to Perinatology (maternal-fetal care) as a high risk pregnancy. This is due to my thyroid issues, which they will continue to monitor, as well as the fibroid in my uterus. We heard baby's heart beat loud and clear, and everything else seems a-ok! I absolutely loved my midwife though, so I was bummed about the transition, although thankful they are being watchful over baby and me. I'm hoping to connect with the Doctor as well, and trusting that the midwife made the right call in sending me elsewhere.


March will be a busy month for Doctor's appointments, as I have two with the Endocrinologist to draw labs again and see how the Synthroid is affecting my Hashimoto's. Then I have two more appointments; one to meet my new OB and the other for our ULTRASOUND! (This will be the one that will reveal baby's gender!) March 19th is the exciting date. I'm still thinking girl... we'll find out pretty soon! The ultrasound will also show where the fibroid is located and whether or not it will impede birth at all. If it is in a position that will not allow the baby to pass, we'll opt for a C-Section.


It is beginning to hit me more and more that there will be a BABY in my arms come August! I need to start researching strollers, and car seats and cribs. Ideas are always welcome. I have started lightly brainstorming ideas for baby rooms... I like gray, lavender and mint for a little girls room. We'll probably do a Harry Potter theme if it's a boy. There are SO many great Pinterest ideas for that.


I suppose it won't hurt to announce our name choices for baby...

Ainslee Joy or Flynn Daniel.

The first names have no significance other than we like them. Joy is my middle name, and Daniel is Ryan's dad's name.

{Just a Baby blurp...}

I've been told that I need to start blogging my pregnancy journey... which I think was a BRILLIANT idea. So here's my attempt at being informative, creative, and witty all at once. Enjoy (Hannah)!

We're PREGNANT!
Dec. 6th, 2013  a little plus sign changed our lives forever. No, we weren't trying (yet). Yes we were SUPER excited! Had planned on starting to try this month [Feb] so it wasn't tooooo far ahead of "schedule". A blessing from the Lord <3   Ryan had stepped out to the store as I took the test, so while he was out I grabbed some lipstick and wrote across my belly "YOU'RE A DADDY!" and lifted up my shirt for him to see when he walked in the door.
One of my dear friends was constantly texting back and forth with me as I worked up the nerve to take the test. I called and told her it was positive and there was a blood-curdling scream on the other side :) All along, it's been such a joy to share our news with others!

GUESS WHAT...?!?
When we found out, I was right at about 5 weeks along. We decided to wait to announce our pregnancy to family and close friends at Christmas. I couldn't hold it in from my sister, so I broke and told her earlier... It was SO hard to wait, and yet sort of fun, knowing we had a big secret. There were those awkward moments of refusing a glass of wine I normally would have drank that forced us into telling a couple close friends earlier. Their reaction of shock was priceless.


CHRISTMAS GIFT...

We spent Christmas with my husband's family, and got to share the news with them on Christmas Eve. I had made some little mugs that said "Merry Christmas Grandpa/Grandpa" on them. We video taped as they opened their gifts... and the surprise set in. "NO WAY". "WHEN?" "CONGRATULATIONS!" Many hugs and smiles.
The next morning we shared the same news with my parents and brothers via Skype. I had sent the same mugs to them. More huge smiles, more congratulations, more surprised looks. Both families are thrilled and supportive and looking forward to meeting little baby. 

...PHONE CALLS!

After telling our families we were able to share the news with close friends either in person, email, Skype, or a phone call. There were some wonderful reactions here as well. In most cases when they said "how are you?!" I replied with "good... Just having some morning sickness" and then enjoyed the reaction! 

Many more smiles and congratulations! Ryan and I are so so blessed with the amazing support of those around us. 

MORNING SICKNESS...

Up until 10 1/2 weeks I experienced morning sickness in the form of nausea every day all day. It was exhausting. I have an AMAZING husband who cooked, cleaned, and took such good care of me. Couldn't have done it without him. Once the morning sickness subsided about 3 weeks ago I've enjoyed being pregnant! 

So far the baby looks healthy and happy! 

This ultrasound pic was at 12 weeks! 4.81 cm long. Is that not the sweetest picture ever? 

Next ultrasound is March 19 and we hope to find out if we're having a little boy or girl! What do you think? (I'm thinking girl).

I'm doing well- although have been on antibiotics for GBS. It was also found that I have a fibroid in my uterus, but we wont know more abut that until the next ultrasound. Just today I learned I have Hashimoto's thyroid disease which I'll begin being treated for tomorrow. Thankful for good doctors and an amazing midwife! Trusting The Lord to take care of me and baby ❤️

I'm 13 weeks and 5 days along- I begin my second trimester on Wednsday! Excited for this new phase. Cannot wait to really start having a baby bump, to feel the first kicks, and to start shopping! 

Blessed to have the opportunity to experience this amazing gift of pregnancy. :) 

Much more to come...