16 weeks

from babycenter.com

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.


Thankfully, our son continues to grow... as does this belly of mine. I've started noticing a permanent bump now- standing, sitting, laying. It doesn't go away. I've even started to show through my clothes.
Everything has been going well in my second trimester. My eating has slowed down a lot which I am grateful for. It's so strange to have to actually force myself to eat at times. So my appetite has subsided, but now I've inherited back pain. Terrible back pain. It's not so much my lower back, but more in the middle. Sitting at my desk during the day, even sitting or laying on the couch just kills me. I know that it's most likely just going to get worse too. Not happs! Since the beginning, a spike in hormones you could say, I've been breaking out... BAD! I was really hoping it would soon disappear, but I haven't been so lucky. Some days I feel like a monster and would be so embarrassed if someone saw me. Heck, I feel ashamed having Rich look at me like this. He's such a great supporter though, he continues to remind me that this is a small sacrifice for just a short period of time. I do know that the outcome will be all worth it, but it just really gets me down to look at my face sometimes. O.k., I'm done sitting on my pity potty.

Here's my bellah:

15 week reveal

In case you were wondering, I've been slacking. More busy than slacking... especially with such big news that we got last week. I'm assuming though that most of you already saw on Facebook that Baby C is a BOY!!!!!! And boy, oh boy, are Rich and I excited!

All last week we had Rich's best friend Chaz in town staying with us. We were pretty busy with him, and also busy shopping for our little man. That's right, the craze has officially begun. We're too stoked to NOT let it begin. Last Thursday is when we had the ultrasound done. We were flying high like kites and taking a belly pic last week completely slipped my mind. Instead, we have four videos for your viewing pleasure. I've posted Part 4 on here, but below is the link to our youtube account where you can view the others.

Just like before, Baby C was uncooperative at the beginning of his show. He was actually sleeping at 9:30 in the morning, even after I had a pumpkin spice latte to try and help his movement. I eventually had to get off the table to jump around because he was sound asleep. It was really cute to see him still. We got a perfect view of his little body and spine. You'll get to see that in Part 1. Plus, we get extra viewing time when he's a little stubborn ;o)




for more video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/JennPops2?feature=mhsn#p/u

14 weeks

from babycenter.com

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

The weeks are starting to get a little better. I'm FINALLY able to control my hunger and am actually starting to like healthy foods again. Whereas, before it wasn't even a thought in my mind. I can't say that my energy level is back to normal yet. My sleeping continually gets interrupted by either having to use the bathroom or mainly from tossing and turning because I can not get comfortable. It's become annoying because I'm usually quite the heavy sleeper. Maybe this pregnancy thing really does prepare you for what's to come. I'm still in bed by 9ish and am not able to wake up until it's time to check in at the office which is a few minutes before 8 a.m. It's a great thing to be able to work from home. I'm not sure how I would be managing having to go in each day and the stress of having to pick out something to wear, especially since my clothing department has become slim pickings. Needless to say, if anyone ever hears me complain about work please just slap me because I really do have the best gig.

This time next week Rich and I will be driving to our next ultrasound. We'll be heading to an imaging facility in Ocoee that specializes in the 3d/4d ultrasounds as well as determining the gender as early as 15 weeks. If Baby C cooperates we should walk out of there knowing the sex of him or her. Crazy right?! I know it would be a lot of fun to not find out, but the anticipation would truly kill me. I'll be honest, I can't wait to know so we can begin to fill up our child's closet with the cutest clothes, shoes, hats, you name it. Rich and my clothing, shoe and accessory collection is really sickening between the two of us. What makes you think our kid is going to be any different?! ;o)

Until next week... hoping to have HUGE news for you to read and see. xoxo

13 weeks

Hello Second Trimester!


It's so nice to meet you. I'm hoping you're a little more kind than the first trimester. Right before we met, you busted the zipper on a pair of my jeans and I'm now having to officially wear maternity pants. I've also gone up a couple of bra sizes and had to invest in a new one. If you have any mercy on me, you'll continue to subside my hunger and provide me with a little more energy and motivation so I can get back into the gym. I look forward  to spending these next 15 weeks with you.


Yours truly,


Jenn


from babycenter.com

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

I know they say "shrimp" to give us an idea of how long the bay is now, but we've been using fruits and veggies as examples. I prefer sticking with those. Another site referred to the bay as a large peach now.

and this is what a second trimester bellah looks like:

Introducing.....

....... Baby C!!!!

Today was such a wonderful day! Seeing our "big" baby for the first time was indescribable. Our last sonogram was at six weeks and even though we saw our little bean and the heartbeat, it was just ten times better this visit. We actually saw a little face, body, hands, feet, button nose. Ahhhh!
The first part of our sonogram was the genetic test where they measured the fluid in the back of the baby's neck. Our measurement was 1.3 and anything over 3 is to be concerned about. We passed one out of two parts of this screening. I also had labs drawn and we will receive those results in four weeks.
Baby C wasn't cooperating the first five minutes of it's big reveal. The technician had to keep poking my belly to make it move. Rich and I were glad the baby was being stubborn, just like it's parents. We got to spend extra time looking at our bundle of joy. After the genetic test was complete, we were given the o.k. to videotape our sesh (see below). Nosey little me also had to inquire about possibly seeing the gender. We got a good sneak peak in between the legs and got a possible "boy" result. The only thing at this point is that the male and female genitalia are the same. They're distinguished by the angle of the dangle.. the direction it is pointing in. We were told by the technician that it looked as if Baby C's dangle was pointing North, but this all depended on exactly what angle the baby was laying at. We were also told by the doctor that their tech is usually right, but we'll confirm once and for all in exactly 2.5 weeks.
Since we've been home, I can't stop looking at our baybay's picture. This is just so amazing! The "dangle" pic sure does look like it's pointing East to Rich and I, but what do we know?! What do you think?

...and here she/he is dancing around like it's their job. ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNRo4rjYm8Q

12 weeks

from babycenter.com

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.



By the end of this week, we will officially be out of our first trimester. Whoohoo!!!
I've been doing pretty good lately. As long as I'm in bed at a decent time, everyone's happy. I'd hate to speak too soon, but my hunger has been a little more controllable too. I haven't been wanting to eat out all around town. I know Rich is relieved.

Baby C attended it's third concert this week. We went to see Sleigh Bells and LCD Soundsystem at Hard Rock Live and the show was phenomenal! By far, this was the best concert the baby has been to yet. We still have a few more coming up, then it's a concert hiatus for this family. We've been previewing all of the baby gear we will require and needless to say, it's not going to be cheap. Since this is our first child we are  basically starting from scratch. Saving our pennies is the wisest thing to do right now.

I'm so glad to hear that many of you are following our blog. I know my mom looks forward to these weekly updates because it's the closest she can get to us without her physically being here. I got a message from Aunt Lisa today who told me that Thursday's are also her favorite day because it means we update the blog.
Since we haven't exactly announced our good news to the general population yet, I enjoy sharing these personal entries with you all... our VIP. 

11 weeks

from babycenter.com

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.


Our little one is growing up so fast! First an olive, now a fig. Yeesh, before we know it we'll be sending them off to college.
These past couple of weeks seem to have passed by rather quickly. I'm hoping it keeps up at this pace. Since our last post, this baby mama has been extremely tired, more so now than in the beginning. Also, instead of pasta and cheese cravings, now it's nothing but bread. Hoping that when the placenta (I think this is such an odd word) finally takes over, which should be very soon, I can gain my energy back and hopefully control my eating habits.

A good friend of mine, and co-worker, was looking to sell her gently used elliptical. I knew of no one better than myself to take it off her hands. It was delivered this morning and I plan on putting it to great use. For now it sits in the middle of our garage, until Rich decides to clear out a space for my "workout section" (hehee). With the weather starting to cool off a little, I shouldn't pass out from a heat stroke. Let's hope.

An even greater family friend, Melissa, who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl a month ago, recommended a ultrasound facility to us. This facility is a little ways from home, but is well known around town for their 3d and 4d ultrasounds. Also, they're the only facility who is able to determine the gender of your baby as early as 15 weeks. Usually, physician offices do not tell you the gender until about 20 weeks.
With that being said, we will be utilizing their services as soon as we possibly can. We bought a package for the gender u/s at 15 weeks, and then return between weeks 26 and 33 for our 3d/4d ultrasound, which also includes a video recorded DVD and a CD-ROM containing the still photos from our session.
Our first session will be Thursday, October 28th. I can't think of a better Halloween surprise!


And here she grows:

10 weeks

Hellooo, Double digits!
This past week has been a great one. A lot, if not all of my symptoms, have disappeared. I've been feeling really good. We have only a few more weeks to go before we're out of our first trimester, and I believe that is when we plan on announcing it to the world. Rich has been waiting for this moment, meanwhile his zany comments have been building up.

Here's a little info about Baby C from babycenter.com

Though he's measuring at the size of a prune — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.



Reading other blogs on here, I've found that a lot of the other women have posted this questionnaire often in their posts. I won't post it that often, but I figured for my 10th, 20th, and 30th week, it would be kind of cool to look back on and compare.

How far along: 10 weeks, we're in the double digi's now!
Total weight gain/loss: +7 pounds according to my doc visit on Monday
Maternity clothes? I'm not able to button any of my pants, but luckily they still fit everywhere else. I've been using a small hair elastic to keep the button fastened.
Stretch marks? ?? no, thank you. I've been trying to be consistent with my little lotion routine
Sleep: a lot! I've been waking up about two times a night to use the restroom. I also can not sleep in for the life of me. I'm up with the birds.
Best moment this week: celebrating our 6 month wedding anniversary
Food cravings: these past 10 weeks, it's primarily been pasta, sauce and CHEESE. anything cheese. I've also craved potatoes whether it's fries or mashed.
Labor Signs: way too early for that
Belly Button in or out? in
What I miss: controlling my appetite and the food I consume (quality and quantity)
What I am looking forward to: reaching the second trimester and also our appt on October 11th
Milestones: today we're a quarter of the way there. whoohoo!

Unsweet Tease

Today was the appointment we were anxiously awaiting. I tossed and turned all night with excitement. We thought our visit today was to see our doctor again and to have another sneak-peak at our little boo. Well we were mistaken. Our first visit today was with the insurance manager to discuss our responsibility as a patient for our nine month care, delivery, and post care. This child is costing us a fortune already!
The insurance manager was the one who crushed our dreams by saying that we were mistakenly scheduled for an ultrasound today. I don't know what it is, but this office repeatedly confuses how far along we are. The scheduler on our last visit thought we were having our genetic testing done today and that is why the u/s was scheduled. Since they can only perform the genetic testing during weeks 11-13, we were too early and insurance would not have paid for another u/s so soon without a reason.
So instead of heading to the ultrasound room, we went straight into the exam room.

The nurse came in and did her thing, but this time she brought in a doppler to try and hear the heartbeat. She explained to us that it may still be too early to hear anything as they typically don't detect the heartbeat on the doppler until around 12 weeks. So we all tried to listen for that wonderful sound, but we weren't able to this time around. Bummer!

So in the room we waited... finally the doctor came in, performed an exam, he answered a few of our questions, and on our way we were. Long story short, today's visit was pretty much uneventful. We found out we owe a good chunk of money, we weren't getting a pic of the baby like we thought, I gained 7 pounds, and that I dislike my unpersonable physician. The physician piece is a whole other story, but we made a change over to another one within the practice so we're hoping our next experience will be better.

On another note, today is our six month anniversary. If it weren't for this surprise when he got home from work it would have completely slipped my mind:

Isn't it sweet?! I was in the bedroom on the computer and he comes walking in with these goodies behind his back. I had no idea what this was all for until he wished me a "Happy 6 month Anniversary". Boy, I really scored with this guy! What's even cuter is he knows that I am petrified of frogs, we have them hanging all around our house, but he got me this cutesy card that says "I'll love you... until the day I croak". Awesome!

Since this pregnancy I crave everything that ISN'T homemade. This has resulted in us eating out a lot these past 9.5 weeks. Since Rich gave in to one of my cravings, Red Lobster, on Saturday, I had to promise that we wouldn't eat out for this entire week. So to top it all off, he tells me we're going to dinner at a spot of my choice. I chose Mexican, but where we went is closed on Mondays, so we ended up at a new Mediterranean place near the house. Nothing fancy at all, but just perfect for us.

Even though we didn't get a baby picture, the sound of a heartbeat, and had a bad doc experience, I'm still feeling very blessed today. Not only for the love of my life, but for this amazing life inside of me, and my family and friends. Cheers!

9 weeks

Whoo-hoo, the baby has officially graduated from an embryo to a fetus this week.
We've also grown from the raspberry, now to the size of a green olive. The baby has grown about an inch since last week. Tiny muscles are beginning to form, so while he/she might not be ready to pump iron, they're gearing up to move it's arms and legs. It's still too soon to feel anything in my belly, but we might be able to hear something at our next checkup on Monday.

Take a look at this growth spurt. Not exactly sure if it's more baby we're seeing, or the donut holes I had this morning ;o)

This is what happens...

when I play around too much:

This is a morph of Rich and I from the combination of our pictures. Gives you a preview of what our baby could look like. Pretty funny! That baby looks like a little boy to me. Not too bad if I may say so myself ;o)

We're counting down the days (6 to go) until our next appointment with the doc and another u/s. We can't wait to see how much the baby has grown. I will be 9.5 weeks so we're hoping to see a great deal of development. I'm pretty sure they will also go over my lab results from weeks ago. No news is usually good news, right?!

I'm hoping the worst of my hormone spike is over. Besides constantly being tired and hungry, I've been feeling pretty good without the nausea. I had it more in the afternoon and evening, but never actually got sick. Let's hope I stay fortunate and it doesn't plan to sneak up on me in the coming weeks.


During these past 8 weeks, Baby C has been introduced to music... loud music, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Rich and I had concerts planned for some time and we still have a few more to come in the next few weeks. So far, the bay (short for baby) has been introduced to Jack Johnson, John Mayer and ours truly, his/her dad. Rich had a gig in Cocoa Beach a few weeks ago and even though I wouldn't be able to feel movement this early on, I can guarantee you the baby was shaking it's groove thing in the womb. The bay's dad sure knows how to get the crowd moving.

Rich and I have already discussed it and as soon as the baby is able to hear sound, at 19 weeks I believe, he/she will have it's own personalized play list played to them each and every night. Our child will have a passion for music if we can help it.

8 weeks

Happy eight weeks, Baby C! We're inching closer and closer to the first trimester finish line. I think all fears will be put to rest once we get there. We're also hoping this pregnancy thing speeds along. Rich and I both feel as if it's been longer than it really has.

This week baby is growing at an amazing rate — about a millimeter every day — and now is the size of a large raspberry. Our "little berry" is looking a lot less reptilian (even though he/she has webbed fingers and toes, his/her tail is just about gone) and a lot more baby-like these days, as his/her lips, nose, eyelids, legs, and back continue to take shape. The heart is beating at the incredible rate of 150 times per minute — about twice as fast as ours! And even though we can't yet feel it, he's/she's now making spontaneous movements as he/she twitches his/her tiny trunk and limb buds.

p.s. I have GOT to get cuter clothes for these weekly photo shoots. Those gym shorts are hideous.

7 weeks

What's up, doc?

Confused??


Yeah, us too. We made an earlier assumption that we were about 8 weeks
along, based on my LMP. This is exactly why they have doctors and high tech equipment to let you know
for certain. Since going off of the pill in December my cycles have been irregular making
it difficult to know exactly when I was ovulating. Good thing Rich and I had the whole
month of July covered.

We went to our first doctor visit on Wednesday. We met with the doctor, discussed our
medical history, he answered all of our questions, and then we were taken in to have
a sonogram. For the first time we saw Baby C, it’s heart was beating at a healthy 119
beats per minute. It was quite the sight to see. The ultrasound technician and the doctor
both said that everything looked great for six weeks. Seeing the heart beat lowers the
odds of a future miscarriage. We even got a souvenir picture to take home with us.
                                                 

Baby's first picture!

The ultrasound confirmed that I was not as far long as we thought. Instead we are 6.5
weeks today. Baby C is due on April 21st, 2011. This explains why we weren’t getting the positive result when we thought we should have been. I am okay giving a couple weeks back to the pregnancy. This
actually made me feel SO much better, putting my mind at ease about taking our trip to
NYC. When we went, I was only three weeks along and the baby was still just a bundle
of cells, so not much damage could have been done… straight from the doc’s mouth.

I go back to the doctor tomorrow for labwork and to see the nurse. We then have another
visit on September 20th for the next ultrasound. I’m really looking forward to this visit. I
will be 9.5 weeks along and we should be able to actually see a baby this time, instead of
just a little blob.

So far this pregnancy thing has been pretty easy. I’ve started getting waves of nausea
when I first wake up, but it’s nothing a little food won't fix. I’ve also been getting the
nausea in the afternoon and at night, but I think I’m handling it quite well. Other than that
my appetite continues to spin out of control. The only thing I dislike thus far is not being
in control of my body. When hunger strikes it completely takes over and feels like I have
a huge hole I must fill IMMEDIATELY. It’s quite amusing because I was kind of a big
eater prior to the pregnancy.

I’ve found myself eating foods that I would never eat before. To name a few:
cheeseburgers from fast food joints like Burger King and Five Guys, French fries galore,
many other fried foods, anything with cheese, and last night began the ice cream craze
(mint chocolate chip…yum!).

You’re only supposed to gain about five to six pounds total during your first trimester
and to date I’ve put on five. Considering I have about six more weeks to go, this should
be interesting.

Am I normal?

Since finding out we were pregnant, I don’t think it has officially sunk in yet. Rich and I both know it’s true based off of the many pregnancy tests we took, but for some reason it still doesn’t seem real.

Today marks five weeks. I think the main reason why it doesn’t feel real is because of the lack of symptoms. Even before we found out, we’ve been getting book after book from the library, and I’m finding it extremely difficult to focus at work due to the limitless information the interwebs has to offer. Needless to say I’ve been reading a lot and at this stage in pregnancy I should be experiencing the symptoms full force. Because I’m not, this leads me to wonder if I’m normal?! (Rich, this question doesn’t apply to you.)

I guess I had quite a few symptoms some weeks ago before even knowing the wonderful news. Right now I just get a little tired in the middle of the day (nothing a 45 minute nap can’t fix), my appetite is out of control, and the tiggles are pretty swollen and sore. Can’t imagine these things ballooning another cup size or two. Yikes!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t really feel pregnant, and until I get the “real” symptoms it won’t feel like a reality. I just need that reassurance, but we’ll get that in exactly one week. Next Wednesday, 8/25, we have our first appointment with the OB doctor. I’m very anxious to have our first ultrasound too... I want to be put at ease and just ensure everything looks good. What a scary feeling. I keep going back and forth with the excited, anxious, and worrisome emotions.

                                                           5 weeks

The beginning

August 12th, 2010 -
4 weeks pregnant. This is our first of the many belly pics to come. I've put on a couple of pounds already, either from all the food I'm consuming or bloating. Fun times, I tell ya! ;o)

Proof positive!

Rich and I have been pretty busy since July 1st, behind closed doors that is. We decided that we're both ready to take our beautiful life to the next level by introducing a new life into it. Since then I have been taking all of the steps towards "family planning"- stopped drinking, began eating extra healthy, stopped working out like a nut, and scheduled a visit with my ob/gyn. About two weeks ago I experienced a few signs of pregnancy and instantly thought it was happening. We had covered all of our bases with extra attention on my ovulation days. So we decided to take our first pregnancy together. Result = negative. Rich was so funny because he didn't think I did it correctly. I probably did test a little prematurely, but I was anxious, okay?! So we both figured to wait to test again until after my period was due. This waiting game is horrible, might I add! The days couldn't be longer when you're anxiously awaiting something. So another week went by and my period was due by at least July 27th. We gave it a few more days and decided to test on Sunday, August 1st. The morning rolls around and neither of us had a good night's rest. I think I woke up at about 6am ready to pee. I've never been so excited to pee before! Richie woke up with no problem and we tested. Three minutes felt like thirty. Hearts are beating fast, breathing is heavy. We both wanted this so bad. Right in front of our eyes was another pregnancy test result which was... negative, again. We were both really bummed out at this point.

We've had a trip to NYC and The Hamptons planned for some time. We were going for the wedding of our good friends, Kelly and Dave, on 8/8. I had never been to NY before so we planned to spend a couple of days in the city and then another couple in The Hamptons. Knowing this trip was approaching, I wanted to know for sure if we were pregnant prior to going. This may sound a little selfish, but I needed to know if I could partake in the drinking activities that were planned. So we both decided that we would test again right before leaving, just to be sure. Thursday we're getting on a jet plane, so Wednesday, August 4th rolls around and it's test time. Third time is supposed to be a charm, right? NO! We got another negative test, but it was ok because this meant I could go on vacation one last time and fully enjoy myself prior to getting pregnant.

NYC- we came, we saw, we conquered. We had a great trip with our bestie Rania, and Kelly and Dave's wedding was phenomenal. Sleep wasn't on the itinerary this entire weekend because we had so many activities packed in. Such a good time though.

We came home on a Monday and finally were able to relax a bit before starting our work week. Thursday, August 12th marked 50 days since my last period. I've only had one other cycle like this and it was around the wedding and honeymoon time. I'm assuming stress played a huge role.

50 days late, stomach cramps for the last 3 days, I was wondering what the heck was going on. Randomly I suggested to Rich that we should take another test. Don't laugh, but from our last round of purchases, we bought a pregnancy test from the dollar store... just to have on hand. LOL
So I figured we'd use up the cheap one just to see yet again. Expecting the same result we got the last 3 times, this cheapo test had an additional faint line. This definitely got both of our attention, and luckily we had a more quality brand on hand. At this  point, Rich says, "No way...the line is barely there". So we decided to take the EPT test, which is known for it's accuracy, so I've read. You're supposed to dip the stick in a cup of urine for 20 seconds. As I'm dipping, I'm watching the test stick change almost immediately. I'm still holding the stick and not one but two lines show up. I got really excited and told Rich the other line was there and he still made me step away to wait the full three minutes without peeking. He's no fun!
The full three minutes have passed and we take hands and slowly approach the stick. Again, hearts are beating and I think we both had a feeling of what it would read. We look at it and VOILA, there are two lines that make the "+" plus sign. We both looked at each other, smiled and embraced one another saying, "we did it, baby, we really did it"!
After our little moment was over we were both so excited and in disbelief...well, more Richie than me. He still thought this second line was kind of faint. He read the entire directions and it clearly stated that even if a faint line appears, the test is positive. WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!!!

Wow, I really can't remember much about the following few minutes because we were both flying so high. It kind of felt like getting engaged all over again.
Since I had a family planning office visit scheduled already, I called my ob/gyn to advise them of the great news. Luckily they didn't have to postpone my visit any later, they were able to squeeze me in the same scheduled day for an ultrasound. They thought I might be about 7 weeks along, but my visit on August 25th will confirm exactly how far long we are.

We instantly called our parents and gave them the good news. As expected, everyone is just thrilled and cannot wait to join us on this nine month journey.

Here is the proud papa showing the positive outlook

...and a glimpse of our testing war zone