Genetics

At this point in my pregnancy, I have given so many blood samples! One of the most important samples was optional, which helped determine any abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome in the baby. Well, excellent news! Eric and I tested negative for such abnormalities. This means our little babe has the normal number of chromosomes, yay! In order to ensure the health of our kiddo, we are trying our best to follow a healthy diet regimen. I probably shouldn't say "diet" because I am not on a diet, but rather eating as best as I can. We have gotten in the habit of juicing fresh fruits and veggies so baby Peterson can develop taste buds for all those nutritious goodies! In fact, last week, week 16, he or she was at the point where they are introduced to the taste of different foods and ingredients. I've been banned from a few select foods (mostly my go-to junk food) and I am trying to introduce wholesome, green yumminess to this little squirt. 

Don't get me wrong, I still eat pizza on occasion, but I don't overly indulge in foods such as potato chips, chocolate, candy, etc. Some things I indulge in frequently include milk, fruit (watermelon, grapes and apples), extra lemon in my ice water, cereal, and eggs. I'm trying to eat a lot of protein as well and this past weekend for our anniversary I tried my hand at crab legs! Boy was that fun and delicious! I read after the fact that I should not eat any more than 12 ounces of crab, so hopefully I stayed below or at that number.

So as far as gender goes and the common myth that if you crave salt, it's a boy and it you crave sweet, it's a girl has not really applied to me. I go back and forth equally! Eric and I find out on August 14...It will be funny to look back at my posts and think I referred to our babe as a "he or she" after I already know. Our plan is to go to dinner that evening and hand the waiter the envelope that reveals the sex. From there, we will find out through food what sex lies in our future! We are still trying to decide if it will be through the main dish or dessert. We may wait to share with everyone so I can plan my gender and name reveal through the mail, especially to send a special birthday greeting to my dad, who wanted a boy of his own, but got all girls...haha! We shall see if he gets a grandson!! Stay tuned!

So as far as genetics go, here are some questions we have pondered...
1. Will he or she have red hair?
2. Will he or she have the Peterson nose?
3. Will he or she pick up a love of reading, like I did when I was so young?
4. Will he or she get our blue eyes?
5. Will he or she have 10 fingers and toes?
6. Will he or she have excellent hearing?
7. Will he or she be short like mama or tall like dada?
8. Will he or she have allergies?
9. Will he or she have a more creative/imaginative mind like me or a common sense/literal mind like Eric?
10. Will he or she have freckles?


These are just a few things that come to mind. Hopefully I can add some more later and eventually come back to think about the answers!

2nd Trimester

I realize I have been lacking on posting, but the happy news is that I'm well into my 2nd trimester! I'm 15 weeks at this point and I'm beginning to see some bulge. Even though it looks like I have overeaten, it's there! It actually gets bigger after I eat and I cannot suck it in.

I notice my self-esteem is pretty low. I'm having a hard time finding myself attractive and I feel like I just need a little support in that area. I don't hear very often that I'm looking good or looking pretty. It would be nice to hear from time to time--as long as it is the truth!  ha!

The only story I really have from lately is my bike crash with another Chicago bike rider. This man needs some prayers! Let me explain. I was exiting a bike path and as I was slowing down to turn left to exit, this man wanted to pass on my left and as I was turning, he ran right into me. I had Molly in the basket and this babe in my belly so you can imagine how nervous I was. This man was not polite about the situation at all! He was all concerned about his bicycle and fell to the ground like a drama queen and did not get up right away. Immediately, bystanders asked if I was okay, and I replied, "yes, but I'm pregnant so I'm pretty shaken up right now." The man did not even flinch or ask me how I was. Even though I should've been worried about myself, I kept asking him if he was all right, but he totally ignored me and wouldn't even address me. Please pray that this man learn some proper manners and etiquette when it comes to speaking with people. I know that sounds mean, but I don't think he had proper social skills or manners. To me, good manners are ALWAYS in style.

Hmm..in other news, I finally announced I was pregnant at work. I'm getting a lot of positive attention including students who ask if I am naming the babe after them haha! I also got asked what I would do if a full size teenager comes out of me. WOW!

Let's play a little catch up.

May 21-June 2.
I have some time to account for. Today, June 2, I am 9 weeks and 4 days pregnant (9 weeks 6 days according to the size of the baby), and time is going so slow! Eric and I traveled to Ohio to celebrate with family the new addition to the family. At my dad's house, I threw up while we were in mid conversation, and that was the worst throw up I've had by far! It was only the 4th vomit total, and I still stand at this low number 4, which I feel is pretty lucky. I do feel nauseous from time to time and my remedy for it is usually sleep. If I can't sleep, then it is usually crackers or cereal.

We spent some time at the lake house, which was relaxing for me. I could've slept the entire day away though I was so tired, but I tried my best to channel some energy! Here is a picture from our time spent on the boat, where we are about 2 months and 2-3 days pregnant--

As you can see, we have our sweet little nephew, Harley with us. We were very excited to share with him the news of his pending cousin, but he did not take it too well at first. His reaction did surprise us, but I'm sure he didn't understand that I've been praying and trying to have a baby for four years now! The next day, Harley apologized for not reacting nicely, which was adorable. He then would talk about how he hopes it is a boy and how I do not look like I have a baby in me! I can't wait for him to meet his cousin! 

In other news, we had another ultrasound done at 9 weeks. I found out that my blood type is B positive...and that Eric will never be able to offer me a kidney since he is A positive. Boo! We got to see little fingers, arms, legs, and shoulders. That was absolutely fascinating! Here is a picture of what the babe looks like at 7 weeks versus 9 weeks--and note, how at 7 weeks he or she is just a little blob and at 9 weeks, a little body can be seen! 

Flicker on the screen

May 14. Our first ultrasound! What a surreal experience. At just seven weeks Eric and I got to see the heartbeat, which was a little flicker on the screen! Our little sweet pea is alive and well! All of our prayers have been answered-praise the Lord!! I cannot wait to see the growth as time progresses on. Because I have low progesterone levels, I am on a progesterone prescription (16 doses cost $275, and that WAS covered by insurance, holy moly)! Let's hope that this helps to sustain the pregnancy. I will do whatever it takes for this babe! In two weeks, I return for another ultrasound and probably more blood work. Today, I filled about 8 tubes with blood. I feel like a blood whore! Ha, ha! A couple of things they are testing for include cystic fibrosis and to see if the chicken pox shot I had in 4th grade still makes me immune to the chicken pox. I've never had them so hopefully I'm still immune. Everything is falling into place perfectly, and I feel so blessed!

Our little blueberry babe!

I vomited and it feels so good.

May 9-10. This weekend is quite a stressful one. Because my first doctor's appointment is on Monday, I am so nervous. I have been reading stuff on Google off and on all day today. I better stop or else this stress is going to do its damage! On Sunday, I went to church and I realized that if I am worrying so much, I am doubting the Lord and I do not want to do that. Therefore, I choose to have faith 100% in our little miracle! Happy Mother's Day...Next year, I get to celebrate.

May 11. I have not been sleeping well at all. I wake up to Molly needing to go out two to three times a night. My goodness, who is pregnant, me or the dog?! I do wake up about four times a night to use the restroom, and then I try to quietly sneak back into bed without waking Eric up. I have not been successful. Sorry Eric! I went to the doctor today, and I think she is absolutely wonderful. I feel comfortable having her as my care provider throughout this pregnancy. She is thorough, patient, and gentle, which is good! She says my cervix is closed and I got some blood drawn so we can make sure things are progressing as normal. I return on Wednesday for another blood test and on Thursday for the first ultrasound! I have to leave work and return afterwards. Blah! I'm just happy I could work it out. Aunt Carolyn accompanied me to the doctor and I'm so thankful she was there for me...she got to enjoy the show as I got poked!

May 12. And now to the title of the post, "I vomited and it feels so good." Ha! So I vomited for the first time today on my commute to work. I was coughing and gagging for a few minutes while driving and finally I had to stop, pull over, rip off my seat belt, open the door, and throw up on the pavement. It was some orangey goodness! All I can think of is how happy I am to be sick because that is surely a good sign of a healthy, growing baby! Keep growing, little sweet pea!!

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

May 7. I planned on writing about this surprise to grandma and grandpa on Sunday, Mother's Day, but grandma accidently opened the surprise "bun in the oven" box unsure of what exactly this fake piece of bread meant. It's actually a really funny story that I hope she shares for years! You'll have to see her for the deets! I'm so excited that they know now because I get to share all the details with someone! I know in my heart how loving and wonderful our mom and dad will be to this babe. I can't wait to see them this summer so we can be together!

Also today, Eric and I went out for Aunt Carolyn and Christina's birthday. I think everyone got a sense of how tired I was, but I couldn't share the news quite yet. Aunt Sandy mentioned how I need to get some Vitamin D and I just read that Vitamin D can only be attained by the sun when you're pregnant. Hm, I wonder if she has an idea? We'll see later on.

I feel that I look so exhausted in this photo, but I love being with family!

Scatterbrained.

May 6. I am totally scatterbrained. I cannot think. This morning on my routine drive to work, I got lost! I was so mad at myself. I missed my exit that gets me off to another highway so I turned around and forgot that I needed to still get off at the ramp towards this other highway. I turned a 10 minute mistake into a 40 minute mistake! How embarrassing and annoying to be late for work for this reason. Can I blame it on being scatterbrained or the thick fog that was blocking the exit sign? Anyhow, I am beginning to stress myself out because along with this pregnancy, I am experiencing spotting and mild cramping. I have prayed that everything turns out okay and things move along as healthily as possible. My doctor's appointment is on Monday, May 11, and it couldn't come soon enough! In other news, I have always hated yogurt, but I'm forcing myself to eat it since it is a good calcium source! Even the thought of the consistency is making me feel sick right now!

There's a baby in here?

May 1. The day I found out I have a baby brewing in my oven! This morning I took a pregnancy test and it was positive! I was excited and shocked and totally speechless. I couldn't wait to tell Eric, so I texted him. Not how I wanted to spill the beans, but I couldn't help it! I think it distracted his entire work day. Oops! My only plan ruined today was going to Jersey Mikes for a sub for lunch. I'm going to miss lunchmeat.

May 2. I'm still pretty shocked about finding out our news. All I can do is think about what's going on inside of me. I did a lot of reading and research today. Probably too obsessively. Apparently, this babe is the size of a sesame seed. I also went to the gym and did 30 minutes of cardio and worked out my triceps. I want to be a fit momma!

May 3. I did the stair climber today at the gym for 30 minutes. Afterwards, I felt very sick! I went to the locker room and put a cold, wet towel on my head. I felt better and continued working out biceps. I hope I can keep up at the gym!

May 4. My first day at work knowing I am pregnant is weird. What a blur. I just keep wondering if anyone can tell. I was hoping to hear, "you're glowing!" Ha, so cliché! I do feel like my skin is smoother though. I have some nausea, which mostly feels like a sickness you get when you have a very empty stomach. I think I am a little clumsy because I ruined dinner tonight. It tasted horrible.

May 5. I'm definitely feeling nauseous during the morning and in the middle of the night. I'm currently obsessed at looking at my calendar, counting days and estimating dates and such. I ruined dinner, again, by burning it completely. I can't focus!