15 Weeks!

We are in our 15th week of pregnancy and things are finally starting to feel real and more relaxed!  Even so, the days we have our appointments are by far the hardest...the wait seems like forever and I always get really nervous once I arrive at Kaiser, especially once in the exam room.  With each passing appointment it does get easier but based on my past miscarriages I'm not sure that pregnancy appointments will ever be easy breezy for me.  Thankfully it's beyond words worth every second once we see our little peanut and we know that everything is going just as it should!

We had our appointment yesterday and little peanut is continuing to be our little champ!  Based on my charting we should have been right at 15 weeks (and 15w2d based on first day of last period) but peanut was measuring 15w5d!  He/she has grown so much which was really nice to see!  We got to listen to the heartbeat again and all sounds perfect- strong, regular rhythm, and fast!  Little peanut was sleeping for the most part but we did get lucky to see a little arm/hand movement!

We also got the approval form to schedule the anatomy scan!  This is the BIG ultrasound where they check out all the bones, organs, etc and determine that the baby is healthy...AND we get to find out whether or not little peanut is a boy or a girl!  I called the radiology department soon after leaving our appointment and was able to schedule the anatomy scan for July 14th- only 3 more weeks!!!  Once we know that little peanut is healthy and the gender the real fun of shopping, creating registries, and organizing the nursery can begin!  And, I cannot wait to start calling peanut our little son or daughter instead of peanut, he/she, or "it"!

Once we get past this next milestone we only have the viability milestone at 24 weeks and then a healthy baby in our arms whenever he/she decides to make his/her presence on this earth!  Things are going so perfectly and I am beyond words thankful!  Pregnancy is starting to feel real, fun, and exciting and I just cannot wait to meet our little precious miracle in less than 6 months!

God is SOOOOO incredibly good and faithful!  Yesterday morning I was driving to work and praying (my usual routine).  As I was praying and recognizing my sense of fear (that is always present on appointment days) I just felt this overwhelming sense of peace like never before.  I know that it was God reassuring me that He's got this, that all is okay with peanut, and that I could relax for the remaining 7 hours before my appointment!  I absolutely love and cherish those moments and reminders that God's peace is greater than my understanding, that He is sovereign, He will get me through it no matter what the outcome will be, and that I just need to continually lift this baby and pregnancy into His loving hands...He can, I cannot!

14 Weeks: Vacation (Part 3)- Palm Springs

Day 6



Friday morning we took our time waking up, showering, eating, and getting packed for Palm Springs.  We left our house around 1:00 pm and got to Palm Springs about 45 minutes later.  We were able to check-in immediately, which was very nice!  We also inquired about staying an additional night but were quoted a price about $100 more than we originally paid (we booked through Hotwire) and decided it wasn't worth almost $200 for the extra night.

Once in our room and unpacked we changed into our bathing suits and headed down to enjoy the pool!  The weather was hot, about 106 degrees, but the pool was very nice and refreshing!  We staying for about an hour before we had to change and head downtown for dinner/happy hour.

The walk to downtown was only about 0.8 mile but it felt like much longer (maybe because of the heat!?!?). 

 

We finally made it and found our destination, Matchbox.  The restaurant is on the upper level and overlooks the downtown strip.  Very relaxing and inviting atmosphere and the menu was fairly priced.

 

Lloyd enjoyed a couple IPA beers and we shared fish tacos, mini burgers, and a margherita pizza.  All the entrees were delicious and were only $5!

 

After dinner we walked the downtown strip for a little while, stopping in a hat store, and soaking in all the little shops and restaurants along the way.  On the way home we stopped in Ben and Jerry's so I could get some dessert.  I ordered the coffee ice cream with espresso chips in a waffle cone and it was very tasty and filling!


Sunset from our balcony

We made the trek back to our hotel where we relaxed and enjoyed the sunset from our room, over the San Jacinto mountains!  Although a little warm, it was very relaxing and nice to finally see a sunset!  The rest of the evening we relaxed and watched some TV before calling it a night.

View from our room

Day 7

Lloyd at Desert Willow Golf Course

Saturday morning we slept in before heading to downtown for breakfast.  We enjoyed a nice meal at a Deli and Bakery.  The place was absolutely packed and the food was great!  I ordered the Ortega Omelet (chilies, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and sour cream) which came with breakfast potatoes and toast.  Lloyd ordered a turkey sandwich which looked very good and was huge.

View from outside the restaurant

Afterwards we went to Starbucks and sat inside and enjoyed some hot coffee before heading back to our hotel room.  Once there I took advantage of our remaining time and took a little nap.  We packed up quickly and headed to our next destination...Desert Willows Golf Course where we wanted to enjoy a nice meal overlooking the amazingly beautiful golf course!

Near Firecliff Hole #1

Lloyd played this course 3 years ago at his bachelor party and has been raving about it ever since.  We originally intended to play golf there on Friday but were both concerned about how little peanut would do in the heat and didn't want to take any chances. 

Lunch at the golf club was great!  We shared a Caprese appetizer (tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese) and fish tacos and both ordered individual salads.  We ended up eating everything except half our salads, which served as dinner for later in the evening!

Desert Willow Golf Course Beauty!

After lunch we walked out on the golf course and took in the beauty!  It truly is a marvelous course and I hope that we can go together someday while Lloyd plays a round of golf!

We started our trek back home around 4:00 pm, stopping at the Cabazaon Shopping Outlets on the way home.  Yes, we were still on the search for the perfect hat and this time we were pretty successful, finding a Hurley hat at a very reasonable price ($14)!  We also found Carter's again and will be going back sometime next month when we know whether or not little peanut is a boy or a girl!

14 Weeks: Vacation (Part 2)- Monterey

Day 3 (continued)

Once we arrived in Monterey we checked into our hotel (Hotel Abrego).  The hotel was very nice; in fact, it was our nicest room- we had a pool view, fireplace, bed was very comfortable, and about 1 mile away from Fisherman's Wharf.

We unpacked the car and settled into our room before heading down towards Fisherman's Wharf.  We took the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail towards Cannery Row and had happy hour at Chart House!  Lloyd tried a Fat Lip Amber Ale and a Golden Ale beers, both locally brewed and both great beers.  We also shared fish tacos and prime rib sliders (both great appetizers, especially the fish tacos which were the best of our vacation) while enjoying the beautiful ocean view!

Afterwards we made the trek back to the hotel, taking a little detour on the pier to check out Fisherman's Wharf and decide if we wanted to eat at any of the restaurants there for our "nice dinner' out".  Although they looked alright they were likely very touristy and over-priced so we decided to entertain our other options. 

Also on the way back we realized that there was some kind of entertainment going on (we could hear live music).  We ventured over to the action and found the local farmer's market night.  We walked down Alvarado Street checking out the town and all the vendors displaying fresh produce, fish, gifts, art, etc.  Lloyd also found Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill which looked like a great atmosphere and neat place to check out (which we did a couple of times in the days ahead!).

Once back in the hotel we relaxed and watched some HGTV before calling it a night...we were both pretty exhausted after the long drive, nice walk, etc.

Day 4

Poppy Hills Golf Course

Me at Spanish Bay

Wednesday morning we headed back to Alvarado Street to eat some bagel sandwiches at a small bagel shop.  We both got the egg, ham, and cheese on whole wheat.  They were good but not the best we have had.  Afterwards, we walked up the street to Peet's Coffee and sat outside enjoying the nice morning before heading back to the hotel.



Spanish Bay Golf Course and Inn

Soon after we headed toward Pebble Beach to start the famous 17 Mile Drive.  They charge $10 to get in but it was well worth every penny of it!  The scenery was beautiful throughout, with 3 golf courses, plenty of gorgeous ocean views, and even some wildlife (we saw some deer on the golf course!). 

Beach/Boardwalk at Spanish Bay

The highlights were Poppy Hills Golf Course, Spanish Bay Golf Course and the surrounding beach and boardwalk, the Lone Cypress Tree and of course the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course that completes the 17 Mile Drive.  

Lloyd and I at Pebble Beach

We stopped at each place but our favorite was by far Pebble Beach!  We were able to walk into the Lodge Resort and see the beauty of the 18th hole.  We were even able to stand near the finale of the course and take some pictures!  We were very lucky to have a nice lady who worked at Pebble Beach walk up and take our picture together!  She was such a joy and highlight of our time there, even commenting on how cute we were as a couple!  Unfortunately, she had some issues with our camera and once she took the picture it didn't turn out as well as it should have...oh well, we still got our one and only "couple picture" taken at Pebble Beach!

View of 18th hole at Pebble Beach

Ocean scenery on 17 Mile Drive

In fact, we loved Pebble Beach so much that we seriously considered going back and enjoying dinner there later that evening.  Ultimately, we decided against it but only because our options were to have a very casual outside meal with small portions yet still very expensive or to dine in the prestigious restaurant which we did not have the proper attire for.  We will definitely need to plan better next time and go back to either enjoy a nice lunch on the greens or dress for the occasion and splurge by enjoying the restaurant.

After the 17 Mile Drive we went back to the hotel for a few minutes before heading to Compagno's Market and Deli.  We got sandwiches to go there and they were by far the best we've had in a long time!  We took them back to our room and enjoyed lunch on our balcony!

Great park for kids!

After a quick nap we walked to Dennis the Menace Park.  This place was amazing and packed with tons of kids and families enjoying a beautiful Monterey day!  We will need to come back here with our little kiddos and let them take in all that this park has to offer!

View from Dennis the Menace Park

Later that evening we walked back to Chart House and enjoyed an "anniversary dinner" (a week late but still tons of fun!)!  On the way we stopped at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill where Lloyd enjoyed their Duane's World IPA.  At Chart House, we were able to get a booth with an ocean view and enjoyed one of our best meals of our vacation!  Dinner started with Duck Potstickers as an appetizer followed by a salad that we shared (I ate most of it).  I ordered the Salmon with Artichoke which was very tasty and Lloyd ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna which was "melt-in-your-mouth" perfection!  For dessert we enjoyed the delicious Lava Cake!  Needless to say we rolled ourselves out of the restaurant and were thankful for the 2+ mile walk home!

Day 5

Start of our hike- very cold and overcast

Thursday morning we woke up fairly early knowing that we wanted to check out Point Lobos State Reserve.  Lloyd found this place on Yelp...out of hundreds of reviews it got 5 stars!  We packed our little picnic (our leftover sandwiches from the day before, a couple of apples, and water) and drove the 15 minutes to the park entrance.  We were lucky to be there early and able to park for free on the street.

View of Carmel/Pebble Beach in the distance

Once at the park entrance the park ranger was very helpful, showing us (and even loaning us a map) where to go and letting us know that it was a good 3 hour walk around the reserve but well worth it.  He wasn't joking...the hike was beyond breathtaking and something I would definitely go back and spend a good day enjoying all the beauty! 

Breathtaking views!

It did take us just under 3 hours (which is all the time we had to spare given our checkout time) but that included some extra mileage, lots of picture taking, and a little rest to enjoy our picnic lunch midway through the hike.

Walking along the beach!

Once back to the hotel we rinsed off and I was able to take a 30 minute nap before packing up the car.  We had so much fun on our vacation it was really hard to leave.  Also, we knew that leaving around 12-noon would only land us right in the midst of Los Angeles rush hour traffic so we decided to stay and enjoy Monterey a little while longer.

China cove

We went back to Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill where Lloyd enjoyed another IPA beer and we watched some of the 2014 World Cup Soccer game.  Afterwards, we walked back to Cannery Row in search of Lids, hoping to find a hat for Lloyd.  We did end up at Lids but unfortunately did not find a hat that fit perfectly and/or was the right price.

China Cove and Beach

It was getting late and we were getting hungry.  We headed back towards the hotel, stopping at a nice cafe hoping to enjoy some panini sandwiches.  Unfortunately, their menu was very pricey so we passed and opted for Chipotle since it would be good food, nice portions, and fairly priced.  We had planned to save some for our road trip home but both ended up eating all our food!

Once back to the hotel, it was time to leave.  We departed Monterey at 3:45 pm knowing we had at least a 6 hour drive.  This was definitely cutting it close and ended up being too much for us.  We made it home at 11:00 pm, hitting traffic in Monterey, road construction on the Grapevine, etc.  We unpacked the car and were in bed by 11:30, enjoying a nice long night of sleep before beginning our next adventure on Friday...Palm Springs!

14 Weeks: Vacation (Part 1)- Pismo Beach

As I'm writing this I am almost 15 weeks pregnant (tomorrow)!  Lloyd and I took some much needed time away and went on a road trip up the California Central Coast this past week.  We spent two nights in Pismo Beach, two nights in Monterey, and came home for one night before going to Palm Springs for one night.  We had such a wonderful time in each place- exploring, site-seeing, and eating some great food!  We even found some places we want to see next time (with our kiddos) and some places we would definitely do all over again!

Day 1 (Father's Day)

We left on Sunday morning and made the drive to Pismo Beach.  It took about 4 1/2 hours and was a beautiful drive.  We got there a little early so we ventured downtown and decided to try out Splash Cafe.  Splash Cafe is known for their delicious clam chowder and is a very popular place for both locals and tourists.  We arrived and waited in a very long line but it was well worth every minute of the wait as the clam chowder bread bowl was delicious!!!

After leaving Splash Cafe, we went to check-in to our hotel (Oxford Suites).  We were a little early and had to wait so we decided to go to the Trader Joe's we saw on our way into town to get some brewskies (for Lloyd, not me!).  We quickly got the call that our room was ready and headed back to unload our stuff before heading back downtown.

Later that night we went to Pismo Brewing Company so Lloyd could try out their IPA and Pale Ale.  Both were great beers and very reasonably priced ($4 per pint, although normally $5.  They were giving a discount to dad's for Father's Day!).  This place was also very kid friendly and had a table for playing games and offered root beer floats for the kiddos. 

After leaving Pismo Brewing Company we checked out the rest of downtown, including the Salt Water Taffy market (which also had tasty looking caramel apples) and the pier!  We took the chilly and windy walk along the pier before stopping to get some frozen yogurt at a place downtown.  It was okay...typical frozen yogurt but a little overpriced.

We then headed back to our hotel to enjoy their complementary snacks and happy hour.  Snacks included tortilla soup, salad, and chips and salsa.  Happy hour including two free draft beers for Lloyd and a Shirley Temple for myself!  I highly recommend this hotel for their very customer service friendly atmosphere (happy hour and free buffet breakfast)!

Day 2




Cave Landing Beach

Monday started with the hotel buffet and it was awesome!  Eggs with potatoes, pancakes, oatmeal, cereal with yogurt, bananas and apples (we took these back to the room for later), and coffee!  Great way to start the day!



Me at Pirates Cave

This day we also ventured on a beautiful hike which was recommended to us by my brother and his fiance (Diana's parents have a house in Pismo Beach).  Pirate's Cave and Cove Landing is definitely a must see and we were very thankful for the beautiful scenery and lack of people along the way! 


Hiking Trail

The hike starts near a residential community and travels along a walker/biker friendly path before heading to the actual trailhead.  The weather was absolutely perfect and we took our time, taking in the beauty of the coast and nice weather.  About 1.5 miles from the start and we were at the split- going right led us to Pirates Cave and left led us to Cave Landing.

Sea lion/otter

Cave Landing was a gorgeous, nearly secluded beach that was surrounded by sea lions/otters.  We walked to the end of the beach and rested a little while before putting our feet in the water.  It was surprisingly not too cold!

Sea lions/otters hanging out!

After our hike we went back to the hotel to shower and change clothes before heading to Ventana Grill for a late lunch/early dinner.  This place was one of the best of our trip!  It had a spectacular panoramic ocean view, great service, and the food was tasty and well-portioned.  We shared a chopped salad, I had a steak sandwich with fries, Lloyd had a monstrous burrito, and then we shared mud pie for desert!  Including a couple of draft beers and we were out the door around $75.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped off at the Outlet Shopping Center, hoping to find Lloyd a new hat.  We enjoyed our little shopping adventure which also included stopping in Carter's and marveling at all the cute baby clothes we can look forward to buying when we find out whether or not little peanut is a boy or a girl!

Later that night we did happy hour again before heading back to the room and resting for the remainder of the evening!

Day 3

Big Sur Coast

Tuesday also started off with the hotel buffet.  Breakfast included eggs, hashbrowns, waffles, cereal with yogurt, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

We also wanted to check out the Monarch Butterfly Grove so we took a nice walk after breakfast to the grove.  Sadly though we learned that the butterflies do not migrate down until around October so there weren't any present when we were there.  We will need to check this out if we are ever back in Pismo Beach during the late fall/early winter (the butterflies come down from Canada to avoid the cold winters).

Big Sur, Highway 1

We left Pismo Beach around 11:00 am and started the very scenic drive on Highway 1 up to Monterey!  I have done this drive several times and it never ceases to amaze me!  Every time I get inspired to ride my bike from San Francisco to home because it would be absolutely beautiful!

Me at Pfeifer Falls

We stopped a few times in Big Sur to take some pictures.  The highlights were stopping at Julia Pfeiffer State Park (amazing waterfall hike!) and at the general store in north Big Sur that has a burrito bar and a nice, relaxing river behind the store to enjoy a little picnic lunch.  I had seen this place about 5 years ago when road tripping with my friend and commented on how Lloyd would really like this place.  I'm glad we were able to find it and enjoy the atmosphere together...it was well worth turning back for (we originally passed it) and Lloyd having yet another burrito!
 


One of my favorite places- Julia Pfeffer State Park

13 Weeks!

Today, I am 13 weeks pregnant!  WOOHOO for 2nd trimester!!!  After last Thursday's great appointment we decided to start telling the rest of our friends and family our little secret!  It's been super enjoyable seeing everyone's reactions and excitement for us!  We are so incredibly blessed!!!

We told everyone we wanted to prior to posting the news on Facebook...so, this morning I posted this as my status update:

Lloyd and I are so excited and thankful for our little peanut! We cannot wait to meet our baby this December and are beyond blessed for this little Christmas miracle! It's been a hard journey getting here that includes two babies in heaven...but most importantly it's been a journey of faith filled with God's relentless love, grace, mercy, peace, and patience! God is good and He is faithful!

 

 

Other than telling the rest of the world our great news, we started maternity clothes shopping on Saturday!  I went to Kohl's where they were having a big sale...40% off shirts and dresses in addition to our 30% off when using a Kohl's credit card.  I was able to get four Motherhood shirts (normally $36 per shirt, except one that was regularly $30) for $61.32!  On top of that I got another $10 Kohl's cash that can be used starting today...so, Lloyd is stopping by on his way home to buy the shorts that I loved (but weren't on sale).  They are regularly $40 but with the $10 off and $30% they will be less than $20! 

 

Later this week my step mom and I are meeting up and continuing to shop for more clothes!  My brother is getting married on June 28th (YAY!!!!!!  So excited for him and his beautiful, inside and out, fiance!!!!!) and I need a dress to wear!  So, we're on a mission to find a dress and hopefully another pair of shorts and some cute summer blouses!  I'm super excited and am already loving my maternity wardrobe- it's so much better than my regular clothes!

 

The highlight of this week though is Lloyd and I celebrating our 3rd Anniversary (tomorrow!)!!!  We aren't doing much on the actual day (grilling some steaks at home!) but we will be taking a road trip up to central California starting on Sunday!  We will be in Pismo Beach for two nights, Monterey for two nights, coming home for one night, and then to Palm Springs for one night!  It will be so nice, relaxing, and refreshing to have some time away, exploring new and beautiful sites together, and just enjoying each other's company!  So excited for the adventures and memories we will create this next week!

 

God is so good and He is faithful!  I am just so thankful for all the ways He has provided and continues to provide throughout this journey!  I remember that first sermon we heard after we lost Joy where the pastor said, "We have to have a test before there can be a testimony".  It's so true...our faith was constantly tested but we vowed to remain faithful and hopeful to the One who loves us and answers our prayers!  In return, we were blessed far greater than we could have ever imagined!  Thank you God for everything!!!

 



12 Weeks- Part 2: You Are Faithful

Little peanut passed his/her last 1st trimester appointment yesterday!  Hallelujah!!!  We couldn't be more filled with thankfulness and joy!

After a long wait to be seen, we were finally able to see our little peanut!  He/she was moving around quite a bit yesterday!  So much so that it was really hard to get a good picture and accurate measurement.  He/she measured 12w2d yesterday, which based on my conception date is off by one day (well within the normal range as there can be errors in the measurements).  Also, yesterday was my first (at least successful) external ultrasound...YAY for no more dildo cam ultrasounds!

Yesterday was a HUGE milestone!  After the ultrasound I had my list of questions (many of which I was waiting for yesterday to ask) that I asked my doctor.  Surprisingly, she did say that I can run (although she would prefer that I walk)!  I haven't decided what I will do and will be praying over that decision these next couple days or weeks (I might wait til our 15 week appointment just to be safe).  If I do decided to run then I will definitely take it slow, starting out with run/walk workouts and gradually getting in longer durations of running.  I will be sure to be extra cautious and listen to my body.

I also asked about boating and hiking/backpacking/camping above 6,000 ft.  She reassured me that I can do all those things, just to be careful and listen to my body!  I'm super excited about all of this and am hoping that Lloyd and I can get away for a two day backpacking trip on the trails close to our house.  I just love being outside in God's beautiful creation, exploring, and spending that quality time bonding with my best friend!  We have such great memories doing all these adventures and I'm excited that we will be able to create some new memories together before our little peanut arrives (although I am crazily thinking we will be able to do this next year with a 7 month old!).

My last question was about continuing to take baby aspirin daily.  My RE had said to take it through 1st trimester but my thoughts are to continue taking it, so long as there's no harm to me or baby.  She said she would check with my RE and let me know.  She called this morning to let me know that I can continue taking it through 2nd trimester. 

I also had to have my thyroid re-tested yesterday as part of routine testing for me to make sure my medication protocol is sufficient.  The result came back within normal limits, although a little on the low side.  I asked my doctor about it while on the phone and she said she's not concerned, continue doing what I'm doing, and we'll continue to monitor it.  She is absolutely the best and I'm so incredibly thankful for her!!

I am so amazed at God's goodness and faithfulness!!!  He is truly amazing and continues to provide peace, comfort, grace, kindness, and strength every single day!  These past few weeks I have been really focusing on God's faithfulness.  In fact, a few days prior to getting our positive test with this pregnancy, I woke up having the song "You Are Faithful" stuck in my head.  I didn't know if it was God's way of saying be patient or if He was giving me a clue that we were actually pregnant.  This song resonated in my head over those days and it continues to be one of my favorite songs to listen to these days!  God's faithfulness is beyond words and comprehension!  He follows through every single time and His way truly is for the best, even when we cannot possible understand the "why" behind some of our trials. 

My prayer for anyone struggling with infertility and/or loss(es) is that you embrace the truth that God has an ultimate plan that is far greater than anything we can ever imagine.  Sometimes He takes us through dark times to shape us for the great things He has in store in the future.  It's hard when you are in the midst of it but if you hold on to faith and hope you will get through it to see His goodness.  One of my favorite verses is the following and it kept me going on the days that I felt like giving up:

God bless each and every one of you struggling through this journey.  Many prayers for healing, peace, comfort, strength but most important I pray that the days ahead are filled with the most precious of blessings.

12 Weeks!

Wow, the last week of the 1st trimester is finally here!  Today, I am 12w2d pregnant and am SO excited and thankful!!!  This baby and pregnancy are truly starting to feel real!  Thank you God!

I have my last 1st trimester appointment this Thursday and I cannot wait to see our little peanut!  Although I am a little nervous and anxious, mostly my emotions are just excited!  I am feeling more and more confident and reassured that this is our take-home baby and it feels incredibly good!

I feel like I will finally be able to fully relax and enjoy our little peanut and pregnancy after Thursday's appointment.  We will finally let the rest of our friends and family know.  It will feel great to share our wonderful news with the rest of the people that are really close to us!

Although we will let a lot of people know after Thursday I am still hesitant to let the rest of work know and to announce it on Facebook.  I have another appointment at 15w2d (June 23rd) and will do these announcements after that appointment.  I have already decided on how to do my Facebook announcement and am really excited about it!

Otherwise, I am still feeling very much pregnant!  I am tired all the time.  Two hour naps are a daily ritual and part of my survival strategy for now.  And, although my morning sickness has gotten much better, it still likes to make it's presence every evening (and sometimes throughout the day).  I am having a really hard time eating protein (I try to force it down but it never sounds good and usually makes me sick).  Carbs are definitely my friend lately!  I have also learned that cooking is difficult in that it usually doesn't sound good by the time I finish making it.

I am officially starting to look pregnant and excited to go maternity clothes shopping soon!  Luckily my best friend gave me some maternity clothes and I have started wearing the pants and shirts, even though I can fit in my normal clothes you can definitely tell that I have a little bump when I do (and maternity clothes are so much more comfortable!). 

Speaking of "the bump"...I have always been very healthy and weight conscious (Completed 3 Ironman triathlons, 3 1/2 Ironmans, and 7 marathons, love hiking, etc).  Gaining weight is a struggle for me and I'm realizing that it's more of a struggle than I thought it would be.  Most of this is because I lost a lot of weight before our wedding (25 lbs).  I gained a good 5 lbs between each pregnancy so my starting weight for this pregnancy was about 10 lbs from my original TTC starting weight. 

I know that a lot of my frustration these days is that I decided not to run or bike during 1st trimester (basically walking is my only form of exercise right now).  This decision was based on doing everything I could to prevent another miscarriage and was by far the best decision (no regrets whatsoever).  However, I will be asking my doctor about my restrictions on Thursday and hope and pray that she will allow me to slowly get back into running (starting with run/walk workouts, low mileage, etc).  I love running...it's a huge part of me and the thought of not being able to run (or at least bike) for the next 6+ months makes me a little sad (although well worth the sacrifice if that's what is necessary to have a healthy baby!).  We'll just see what she says and go from there (I do have a feeling she will say "no running" since she did during my 1st pregnancy, prior to having two losses).  Either way, I am just incredibly thankful for God's beautiful blessing and am trying my best to give this all to God!  I will gain the weight that I need to gain for a healthy baby! 

I love every minute of being pregnant and already feel really bonded with this little baby!  I cannot wait for all the fun milestones we have in the upcoming weeks...starting 2nd trimester, finding out the sex, feeling kicks, registering for baby gear, getting the nursery organized, etc!  God is so good and I am just so humbled at how He continues to provide peace and answer our prayers!