Second Trimester: Here we come!

This past Friday was the first day of week 14, and subsequently, the first day of my second trimester. The past few months seemed to go so slow but now looking back, they actually flew by. Funny how life does that sometimes...

Changes:
I'm noticing a gradual increase in energy - finally!
Cravings have taken a back seat... no sudden urges for a pickle, berry smoothie, or other random tastes I've 'need(ed) LIKE NOW'. However - I am still hungry all the time and prefer fresh foods to overly prepared and seasoned dishes. So still on the fruit and veggie kick...
I have an overwhelming urge for everything to be perfectly in order in my house (and out). Not that this is anything new for me (and those who know me can testify to that), but frankly, during the first trimester I was just too tired to care. I still have bouts of fatigue, but much less than before. So yay!
My baby bump is slowly growing. It is amazing to see my body change and I find myself looking at my profile sideways in the mirror a lot. Keep growing, little guy (or lady)!

The Beat of a Baby's Heart

i heard my baby's heartbeat today. what a rush of indescribable feelings that washed over me... this little person who has taken up residence inside me completely stole my heart all over again. as tears trickled down my cheeks, i happened to glance at matthew who was grinning. i think he may have teared up a little too.

Cozying in

January has set in with all it's gloominess. I am so ready for spring and green and tree buds and flowers. But in the meantime, I'm spending the cold days indoors; when I'm not teaching, I'm cooking and organizing my house. While its too early to be in the nesting stage, I'm definitely getting glimpses of it in my need to have things clean and in a proper place. If there isn't a place, out it goes to the garage for a yard sale.
I've also been exploring different nursery ideas and designs. We are certainly looking forward to decorating and readying our little guy's (or lady's!) room! No definite themes yet, but certainly some fun ideas!
So January, blow and freeze and bluster away. Just please don't linger too much longer!

12 weeks

Today I am officially three months pregnant. Baby is growing rapidly this week - he is currently about 2 inches in length and will be 3 inches by next. Oh joy!
I'm starting to regain my energy, slowly but surely. I still have moments of intense fatigue wash over me but not nearly as frequent. Still no morning sickness so I think I can safely say that I avoided that dreaded horror entirely. Thank goodness.
Biggest cravings so far this week have been veggie subs, oranges (still), and popcorn. What a meal combination... We shall see what is to come.

happy mommy, happy kitty

One of the most precious things we've noticed about the pregnancy is Sushi's eager attentiveness to me. He has always been a 'mama's boy', but since I've been pregnant he's become even more so. He follows me around the house, staying faithfully in the room where I am until I move to another room; if he's napping in our room, he'll come every so often to check on me; he meows incessantly until I rub noses with him every morning; he sleeps every night curled up next to me - if I move, he moves over until he's touching me again. If Matthew is paying attention to me, such as giving me a hug and kiss or talking to me, he sits at our feet and stares up intently watching every move.
Matthew enjoys tickling me - I think it's because he likes to hear me screech. So last night in a sudden tickle attack, I squealed at him to stop and Sushi bounded off the bed over to where we were and howled at Matthew several times, giving him a cat 'glare'. We couldn't stop laughing. I went over to the bed and Sushi followed me back, putting his paw on my lap to make sure I was ok. What a precious little guy.
We can't wait to see his reaction to our new little one. I've heard of cats being jealous; I've also heard of cats that are very protective of babies - like little watchers. I have a feeling Sushi is going to be the latter because of how much he loves us. Of course, I know to be careful with babies around cats; but I am hopeful that our little darling will be a welcome addition to our kitty's affections.

Life grows

I'm now at 11 weeks. I've started to show a little baby bump. Inside the bump, our baby is approaching two inches and is finishing the final development of all body parts. Now its time for the little guy (or lady) to begin growing... and growing fast. It is fascinating to think of how a perfect tiny human being is cradled in my womb, kicking and stretching away. I can't wait to feel those little kicks.
I have often thought of pregnancy as an unknown miracle - unknown simply because I've never experienced it; miracle because of how two beings coexist in one body for so long. I vowed for years that I would never have children... never want children... and now here I am, almost 3 months pregnant. All it takes is the love of a good man to change everything.
Matthew is going to be a wonderful daddy. He already talks to him, kissing my belly and cajoling him to come out and play. He is reading the book I got him for Christmas every day - The Little Big Book for Daddys. It is full of stories, lullabies, riddles, games, and other fun things. I love watching him be excited.