Our big or actually little announcement

After my graduation (which I left early from because over 1,000 people graduated that day and it was just too long) we went to lunch at Thai Ruby with Brody's parents and my mom.  We had been planning this little lunch for a long time and we were anxious that everything would work out as we had planned. 

Just after we arrived at lunch and ordered, my in-laws and husband gave me cards and a present.  (Brody gave me an Ipod touch so I could have Instagram!) Anyway, we figured that I would get cards from my in-laws so I decided to give them one to thank them for coming.  We waited 14 weeks to give them these cards because we needed a surprise moment where both sets of parents were present. 

(my mom already knew- she was the first one I told at 8 weeks)

Inside the card, there were pictures of the tiny baby in its 12 week ultrasound.  We totally surprised everyone.  Brenda started crying immediately.  I think it is safe to say that she was ecstatic and Julie started to tear up as well.  Paul professed that he was too young to be a grandpa.  We were so happy to finally tell them and that we kept it secret (at least from them) for that long. I had told some people earlier, but mostly work colleagues and a select few at school.  I desperately needed some sympathy points and understanding for my constant exhaustion and forgetfulness. 

Weeks 5-12
I knew I was pregnant almost right away.  I took a pregnancy test when I was a day late.  I hadn't really been feeling sick or anything, but I am never late so I knew something might be going on.  I was convinced that I wasn't pregnant though.  I was completely shocked when it was positive.  After a week, I decided to call the doctor and went in for another test.  After 2 positive tests, I believed it and it all set in.  We were still shocked that it happened so fast. 

I can't remember exactly when all the symptoms started but I think around 6 weeks.  I was very lucky to never really have any morning sickness, but I did have EXTREME exhaustion.  I've had mono in my life, and mono does not hold a candle to my pregnancy exhaustion.  I would tell Brody that I had a dead feeling behind my eyes all day long- that dead tired feeling.  Sadly, I couldn't sleep much more because of school (wake ups at 5:40 and work wake ups at 6:30).  Mornings became unbearable- I have always hated mornings and this just made it way worse.  I also was not immune to sickness throughout the days.  I would have intense stomach aches during the day and usually for the entire night.  I would get home from work, with zero energy and then lay on the couch all night, dragging myself to bed at around 9.  (I wish I could have fallen asleep easier.)

I would have bad stomach aches that kept me from eating from 5 p.m. on most nights and kept me from making dinner.  Poor neglected Brody.  My constant exhaustion led to a lot mess ups that I've never had before.  I would completely forget things at work and spaced meetings at school.  I've never been flaky and I hated not being able to tell people why I was so clueless. 

I went to the doctor at 8 weeks and saw the baby for the first time! Here is a pic (or I will add this later when I get them motivation to scan and upload the pics). It doesn't look like much.

I continued feeling disgusting.  I think week 11 and 12 were the worst.  I was pretty miserable, but I made it through!  And at 12 weeks I had another doctor's appointment.  The baby has a strong heart beat and we saw it move.  It was very active, with 2 arms, 2 legs and 10 fingers!  

Also, along the way I built up a complete intolerance to sugar.  Sugar made me sooo sick.  (which is pretty hard for a sweet tooth like me)  I also craved salads with ranch dressing and tons of salt all of the time!  This baby definitely likes different food than me.  I have also loved thinking about and looking at food.  I'd see something on TV and then I'd want it, random things like pop tarts, Wendy's and Taco Bell (haven't eaten either since high school), oranges and chips.  The only food that made me nauseous this whole time has been apples. (strange)  I've been able to eat them again though.  Good thing! I also, amazingly did not gain any weight my first trimester.  I actually lost a pound.

Weeks  13-14
I was so happy to make it through my first trimester.  I slowly have started to feel better.  My energy is starting to come back, but I'm nowhere near where I used to be.  I am hoping I continue to get more energy.  I also have lost my intolerance to sugar, but I still don't crave it much. I even let chocolate or caramel since in my house with out me touching it.  Very strange. I still really like ranch dressing and salads and salt. 

I am happy to have made it this far and very excited for the future months.  But I'm started to get paranoid about showing and gaining weight since I gained 2-3 pounds in this last week!! I was only supposed to gain 1/2 a pound! It's all good though and I am grateful that the baby and I are healthy so far and that Brody hasn't left me yet (since I have been pretty grumpy for awhile) :)