Here it goes...

So after giving it some thought as to whether I thought I should/could do this blog, I decided to give it a shot.  I may not be very consistent with my posts, but I hope to keep it up.  I think it will be a great way to share my thoughts and memories of my pregnancy as I move through this amazing journey.  I hope you'll enjoy sharing it with me!  I'm getting my motivation to do this from several friends of mine that have done a blog for their life and for their pregnancy and it really is an awesome and easy way to keep a journal that you can/don't mind sharing with family and friends.

So today I am 17 weeks preggo and so far, so good!  I'm truly enjoying every single day.  I'll try to give a recap of what all the past 17 weeks have consisted of to get you up to speed...

February 2 - the day of the pregnancy test and 1st day of pure shock and excitement!  I took one test = positive, went to dinner, still not sinking in or convinced, stopped at CVS on the way home to get the kind that actually says "pregnant"/"not pregnant" versus the silly + or - and well, it clearly said "pregnant"!! 

March 2 - after an entire month of anticipation, we finally got to go see the doctor to confirm.  At exactly 8 weeks, we got our first ultrasound and it was a moment I'll never forget!  Hearing the heartbeat for the 1st time was truly incredible.  My words exactly, through the tears of joy..."oh my gosh, it sounds just like a racehorse!"  Spoken like a true KY girl, born and raised on a horse farm.  :o)  But truly, that's exactly what it sounded like and it was amazing!  Seeing the little "gummy bear" as the U/S tech called it, was so cool.  Todd and I couldn't stop smiling and for me...I couldn't stop crying!  Pure happiness.

March 3-6 - in Vail for a ski trip we won in connection with Todd's job.  It was a celebrity charity event for Cystic Fybrosis sponsored by John Hancock (and various other vendors), which Todd sells various insurance products for.  I, of course, was denied the ability to ski which was a big let down for me, but why take the chance.  My doctor didn't think it was wise since I'd never been on skis before and the chance of me falling multiple times was pretty high!  So Todd enjoyed the skiing, while I enjoyed reading and spa time!  It was a great trip.

We finally broke the news to our parents while we were on our trip.  I had thought of this idea and thought it would be the most perfect time/place to tell them.  It just so happened that Todd's parents had gone down to my parents house in FL to spend the weekend with them.  With the 4 of them all together it was the perfect opportunity so they could share in the excitement of becoming 1st time grandparents together.  I sent them an email titled "meeting our 1st celebrity" (since we had met a few celebrities at the event already..all B list, so nothing too exciting!)  and attached 2 of the U/S pictures.  I had written on the attached photos..."Congratulations, you're going to be Grandparents!"  About 30minutes later I received a phone call from them on speaker phone and all I heard were screams!  It was the best feeling ever to hear their excitement and pure joy and that we had completely surprised them.   :o)

I sent my sister (Aaron) an early birthday present that included a onesie that said "I (heart) my Aunt" and anticipated that phone call as well...see above for the same response!  All screams!  We also told my brother & sister-in-law (Tony & Holly) and my grandparents but waited until the end of the month before breaking the news to anyone else.  Only wanted family to know until I was through my 1st trimester.

Throughout my entire first trimester, I didn't experience any morning sickness.  I feel truly blessed for that.  Thank goodness I took after my mom!  Exhausted every day, especially working tax season hours for all of Feb & March, but I'll take being tired versus feeling nauseous everyday...anyday!  And going to the bathroom...A LOT is also the norm for me these days.  I'm definitely drinking lots of water, which is part of it, but my goodness!  When they say you pee alot when you're pregnant, they aren't kidding!  Sheesh!

9 weeks

10 weeks

11 weeks