Thoughts

So far in my pregnancy, I have found it both interesting and comforting to gain knowledge about the details of pregnancy and how the body works and changes. But, I think I need to stop using internet research to find out what a normal pregnancy should be. Today I looked up photos of what other pregnant women look like at 16 weeks, as I am also approaching my 16th week. What inevitably followed was my feeling that something must be wrong with my pregnancy. So many of the pictures were women with HUGE bellies. I am still very small, and so this made me quite paranoid. It seems like there are endless things to worry about when pregnant, and internet research seems to make it worse! So, now I am trying to assume everything's fine until it is proven otherwise. Sometimes it's so hard to wait for the next doctor's appointment...

13 weeks

Well, since I heard the baby's heartbeat at 13 weeks, I figured it's time to post the news on the blog. We've been a little bit concerned with complications over the past week, but as of yesterday, things are looking pretty good. Above is a picture of the tiny baby bump. I doubt anybody but Chris and I can actually tell there's anything there, but I know I'm growing because I haven't gained any weight, and these are basically the only pants I can wear right now. I bought them a couple weeks ago in a larger size than I ever used to wear, and I'm grateful to have them to lounge in right now because they're so comfy!! I did have a picture that we took at 4 weeks, but it turned out blurry. But this is a pretty good starting point for documenting my growth since there's hardly anything to see.

I'm finally starting to get my energy back, which is nice. It was kind of amazing to me how tired I felt. But now what is even nicer is that I don't feel nauseated all day! Now I only get morning sickness in the morning, but I'm crossing my fingers that that will come to an end soon also.

Chris and I have decided to do the Bradley Method classes, which begin in March and end in May. After that, we're off to Washington to have the baby. Illinois has not been friendly to the midwives out here in terms of insurance coverage, and that is one reason why we want to have the baby in Washington. I am hoping to be able to have a CNM (certified nurse midwife) at St. Peter's Hospital. It will be kind of fun to have the baby there, because it's where I was born.