hometown pride

we have a crib!

First baby item purchased - the Carters Sleep Haven Crib. Originally priced at $419, total we paid, $184. Read it and weep.

I wasn't planning on buying anything big until after our showers. And after we go to consignment sales. Because we're cheap. But one of the few things we cared that was new was a crib. And this is a STEAL.

Yippee!

spring? is that you?

Sweet relief! Considering KCMO does not plow. Ever. Especially parking lots. And I had to turn to avoid sliding through two stop lights this morning. And the 65 degrees we keep our apartment at feels a LOT colder when it's negative whatever outside. And my lips are chapped. 

Please, please stay this way.

15 weeks

What's up little baby!

This week you're the size of a navel orange, apple or beefsteak tomato. I'm going with orange, though, because this week they tasted soooooo good. You're moving all your joints and limbs, and your little bones are growing as you suck my calcium away. Don't worry, I gots some pills.

Your ears and eyes are now in the right place. Do you know your ears started out on your neck?! That's awkward. You're also moving around a lot in there though I can't feel it yet. Supposedly that will happen in the next month or so. I'm excited! Daddy is excited to feel you though it will be a lot longer for that to happen. Sometimes he lays his head on top of you to listen. But alas, all he hears is my rumbling belly.

I read this week that you'll be developing the food tastes of our culture while your living in me. I bet you're kind of confused. Mexican tacos, Florida oranges, Kansas City barbecue, Italian spaghetti, and I assure you some Pad Thai is in your future. It's a global womb!

This past week your friend Ryle was born. I hope you get to know him, well and our families are friends for a long time. If he's anything like his mom, you'll jump at any opportunity to play with him.

Your mama has suddenly, almost overnight, developed a bump though everyone claims it looks like a regular tummy, and I still can wear my regular pants. But we can tell. My skin is changing - all blotchy and breaking out. But overall, this part has been great. I can run, I'm awake most the day, full of energy (and quite often tears), and feeling more like my old self. Except for the zits and bulging tummy. But you and me babe, we're doing good.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mama

running pregnant

I swore when I got pregnant I'd be that girl out running on the streets with a little round belly. I mean, I knew I'd be tired but I used to run at 5 a.m. I could do it. These people did it, why couldn't I?

"You don't understand what tiredness is until you are pregnant." Amen.

I ran 5.3 miles and then 4 miles when I was about six weeks pregnant and didn't know it. Then I got sick as a dog at eight weeks and though I attempted to run/walk/elliptical a few times, Sunday was the first time I really ran. Three miles, though not like I used to.

In October, I ran somewhere between 9-10 minute miles on long runs. I could sprint a mile at much faster than that. Now? An 11-12 minute mile is enough of a challenge.

Running is completely possible during pregnancy but there's a lot of rules. I have to stop because I can tell my heart rate is climbing and sweat is starting to form on my temples. I get out of breath more quickly. But the benefits far outweigh the annoyance of my huffing and puffing.

Benefits of pregnancy running
Reduces complications during labor, leads to shorter labors, reduced chance of c-section (source)
Helps with constipation, backaches and insomnia (source)
Reduces chance of gestational diabetes (source)
Lower rates for pre-term labor and miscarriage (source)
Easier to lose weight and regain fitness level after birth (source)

Reducing labor time? I'll keep running.

random cat video

Our not so little anymore kitten gets into everything. Case and point.

14 weeks

Hello there little baby,

This week you're the size of a fist or lemon. Guess it depends whose fist we're talking about. This week you'll get some funny hair called lanugo all over your body. Have no fear, you will not be born this way. You'll get your own body fat to keep you warm instead. You're making your own urine - nice job! Even cuter, you can wiggle your little half-inch long feet.

Though my nausea is completely gone, sometimes I get a little dizzy. But right now the biggest change in my body is achy hips. My abdomen is growing to accommodate you, though no one can tell yet, and the growing pains can be more than a little uncomfortable. Two snow days this week (your first blizzard!) and plans to stay in my flannel pants are just what the doctor ordered for us.

All this ligament stretching is making me feel chunky, but I still don't have outside evidence that you're in there. Though the four pieces of pizza I just ate sorta resemble what I imagine you'll look like when you start pushing on my belly.


We are starting to get wedding invitations in the mail, and we calculate how old you'll be before we consider our RSVP. A summer is coming that will change our lives forever.


We love you. Keep growing, little one.


Love,
Mama