Pregnancy So Far

I have been terrible about writing in my journal or blogging about my pregnancy so far. In the beginning I was so on top of it but that only lasted about 3 weeks until I started getting sick. It's probably better that I am writing this post-morning sickness phase so it will sound a little more optimistic. Here is a summary of the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy:

• We found out we were going to have a baby on July 15. The first few weeks were great. I wasn't sick at all and was determined to stay in shape my entire pregnancy. I went to the gym everyday although morning sickness and exhaustion quickly set it and I stopped working out. I have gotten a little better and walk or stair step about 3 times a week.
• August 1 was the first day I threw up. I wasn't sure if it was morning sickness at the time but it started happening about 5-6 times a week so I knew it had to be. I was nauseous all day, every day but it wasn't smells or any particular food that made me vomit. It was when I would brush my teeth. Just sticking my toothbrush in my mouth instantly made me vomit. This was a problem. I am a dental hygienist so I couldn't just skip brushing, especially because I was usually heading to work to tell people that they need to brush and floss their own teeth better. Plus who wants a dental hygienist with bad breath. You are not supposed to brush right after you throw up because you will brush away your enamel but I did it anyway. I swear every woman who came into our office after having a baby had like 8 cavities so I am fully expecting my fair share. Luckily I haven't thrown up for about a week and a half and I am really hoping that it is over.
• Besides the wonderful morning sickness I was extremely exhausted. I would take a least 1 nap a day, fall asleep on the couch in the evening and then go to bed around 8 pm. Russ thought this was hilarious and took several pictures of me spread out on the couch sleeping. 

• We waited until I was about 3 months pregnant before we let our friends and family in on our exciting news. You can read the whole story of how I told Russ and how we told each of our families here. I started to feel a little more like I was actually going to have a baby when everyone knew but it is still so surreal.
• I have had 4 doctors appointments. We have had 3 ultrasounds and got to hear the heartbeat once. I loved seeing Russ' face as he saw our baby moving around on the screen.
• I have had the craziest dreams while I have been pregnant. They are usually bad dreams and I have woke up crying several times.
• I really haven't had any cravings in particular but when I want something I want it right then. One time I really wanted deviled eggs but I couldn't make them as good as Nana so I didn't crave them again. 
• Russ has been so great throughout the whole thing. He is always concerned and doesn't want me to do anything that could possibly be bad for our baby. No sushi and at first he wouldn't even let me have a Dr. Pepper. Finally I convinced him that a little caffeine is okay. I love when he rubs my belly and gets so excited when we talk about our little baby. I know that he will be a great daddy! 
• The most recent and exciting baby development is feeling feeling him move. I wasn't sure it that's what I was feeling at first but it has become more consistent. The doctor said some women describe it as a butterfly wing or an eyelash but those sound like things you don't feel at all. To me it feels like something is tapping on my stomach from the inside. I usually feel it when I am just laying down. It probably happens more often I just don't notice because it is such a light feeling.

That wasn't as optimistic as I thought it would be but I am absolutely loving the stage I am in right now. I am not really sick or tired. We have started buying things and thinking of names. I often think about who I am and who I want to be as a mother. When you're little you always think that your parents have all the answers and they always know what is right. It scares me to death knowing that very soon my little one with think the same of me. I just hope I can live up to the the wonderful examples of mothers that I have had in my life.

Obviously the belly is growing a little bit but my face has definitely gotten the brunt of the chubbiness. I will get better of taking them each week so I can document the progression.