Week 16

Still feeling nauseated, but not nearly as bad as I have in weeks past. I've found that as long as I get enough sleep and I eat something every two hours I can avoid gagging.

Look how big that thing is getting!!

What a difference two weeks makes...

To demonstrate how much I've popped out recently, here's a picture of me in Lake Tahoe just two weeks ago.

POP goes the belly!

This time last week I had people looking me up and down and commenting that I really didn't look very pregnant. Well, all that's now changed. My belly has popped out! It's usually under control until about lunchtime, then, after I eat it's all down hill. Yesterday a woman at worked told me I'm awfully big for being four months. My what a difference a week makes! Anyway, here's a picture of me before I went to bed the other night. Where did that thing come from?!

Weight Gain

I started my pregnancy at a "normal" weight, so the doctors recommend a weight gain of 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. This is additionally broken down by trimester. A woman of normal pre-pregnancy weight should gain 3-5 pounds during the first trimester, and 1-2 pounds each week in the second and third trimesters. So far, I am right on track. I gained 4 pounds my first trimester and have gained 1 pound each week of my second trimester. I'm feeling pretty good about that! Now, if I can just stay away from the Long John Silver's...

The Weekend

As far as nausea and gagging go, I had a really good weekend. Friday I went to see Grandma in the hospital before coming home. She may have to have valve surgery and they are performing a cath today to see if bypasses will also be necessary. She is really scared, so please say a prayer for her.

After leaving the hospital I met Mike at PF Chang's for a yummy dinner. We then went to Best Buy where I purchased a Playstation 3 for his birthday...his 30th birthday (old man!). We came home and had a nice evening without any nausea on my part. The Zofran is starting to become stronger than my sickness. Nice!

Saturdy I awoke with energy, so I took full advantage. I set up a workout area in the basement. I unpacked maternity clothes that I've received from friends and replaced much of my closet with this more comfy wardrobe. I spent the afternoon on the couch after exerting so much energy, but ventured out for dinner at a new sushi restaurant that evening. I retired early when I felt the nausea approaching.

My first thought when I awoke on Sunday was that I needed to go to the grocery. We haven't been since coming home from Tahoe, and our cupboards are bare. I made a list, but started feeling puny before I could get out of the house. I've come to realize that as long as I eat every 2 hours I am okay during the day. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get to the grocery before the 2 hour mark, so the nausea came knocking. I decided to wait until I felt better to go, but it just got worse. Finally around lunchtime Mike and I decided Long John Silver's was our best option - because nothing makes your stomach feel better than batter-dipped fried fish! As soon as I finished eating I realized my terrible mistake. I felt worse, but it was my stepdad's birthday and I had to get over to his party.

I finally forced myself to get ready and I headed to Walgreen's to get a card and gift bag. I ended up sitting in the Walgreen's parking lot for quite awhile with my head hanging out the window, gagging. After getting his present at Dick's, I arrived at the party about 2 hours before it was to end. I had a nice time though. It was good to see his family and catch up.

Ultrasound pics

This was the Bean at our 7, 9 and 12 week ultrasounds.

My wonderful husband

Nothing about me feels normal these days. My body is different, my thoughts are different, I'm tired, I'm more emotional and I don't feel well. I'm sooo over it, and I know Mike must be too. But he has been so incredibly thoughtful and loving, in spite of his boring, ever-changing wife. Twice now he's come home with cards and flowers to surprise me. He takes me to bed as soon as he sees how tired I am, even when it's 8:30 p.m. He won't let me carry things and he's always asking how I'm feeling and making dinner for me (well, he usually did that anyway!). He's been so wonderful to me through all our ups and downs, and tries to keep me laughing even when I've wanted to cry. I know it's not easy to suddenly live with someone who only slightly resembles the person you married, and I just want him to know how much I love and appreciate him for his patience and support. I promise that one day I'll be back to normal!