13 Weeks, 4 Days

Dear baby,
I am having a hard time believing that we have already made it through our first trimester together. You have grown from being a microscopic little Zygote with an oversized head, paddle-like feet, and a tadpole tail into a 3 1/2 inch long fetus. Although I can't see you, books tell me that you look similar to a smaller version of your 40-week self that I can't wait to see. Your nose is fully developed (I wonder if it looks like mommy's or daddy's?), you are kicking and dancing and moving around, you are practicing swallowing and breathing, and you have fully functional organs. You have hair. Your tiny little fingernails are visible, and you have the buds of teeth growing in your gums. How did you do it all? I have always thought to have possessed a reverence for life, but nothing can compare to the feeling of having one actually be created within your own body.
When you are born, you will quickly learn how many people have been anxiously waiting for your arrival. With each new week of pregnancy completed, my belly grows a little more and we get a little more excited to finally meet you. You are already so loved. You are going to be blessed with many grandparents. Many more aunts and uncles. Friends and church family and even pets. All waiting for the addition of one little baby- you!
Until then, daddy and I will do everything we can to prepare for this scary, exciting, new step. We will work hard to make your new world one that will help you to grow, learn, and thrive. We pray for you every day. We pray that you are growing strong and healthy while you're still in my tummy, and that you'll continue to do the same when you make your debut into your new world.
I love you already.
-M

Trouble In the Apparel Department

The last week has really done a number on my waistline- thus, my clothing selection. It isn't as if I couldn't fit into my clothing if I tried, it's just that I'd be lying if I said they look good (let alone feel good)! I have found myself in my favorite yoga pants more than their fair share lately.
So here's the question: do I opt to look like I'm lazy (in my oversized tee's and yoga pants) and can't find my way into real clothing, or do I break down and go the the dreaded MATERNITY CLOTHING department?
I've been told many good things about maternity pants. How they are comfortable, they "grow with you", they are oh-so-relieving after wearing those painfully tight, rubber-banded jeans of the past. The thing is, I can't get past the appearance. Why do those stomach bands have to be nude? WHY nude? And those bands aren't the only things that come in nude.
Have you ever pursued the maternity bra section? I'll tell you, I hadn't, until my new pregnant chest became suffocated in all my undergarments. I figured I'd go meander through some more appropriate bra selections online. This little gem is what I came across:

This is a joke, right?

It's like suddenly because you're pregnant, you are automatically mommy-material, therefore all things frumpy and UNsexy. Uh, they do know that I had to engage in some risque activities to get myself in this pregnant state, right? Are they TRYING to make my fetus an only child? Well in garments like this, I am well on my way. A one-way ticket to being THAT lady that wears sky-high underwear and bras with little bows and floral.

I think being pregnant is beautiful, natural and sexy. I just want my clothing to agree!

Week 10

I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that we are already 25% finished cooking our little bean! I know I am fortunate to be feeling like the first trimester has flown by. Can't say I'll miss it much.

This week I am happy to report I have officially said goodbye to:
1. Puking on the regular
2. Feeling nauseous 24/7
3. Being careful not to brush my tongue too far back, for fear of (refer to #1)

And I am also welcoming:
1. A slight increase in my waistline, which is making my jeans slightly snug
2. A little increase in energy, even if it's only for a few hours
3. The return of my appetite!

Possibly the best news that I have to report for this past week is that William and I got to see our little one via ultrasound! It was so surreal, yet it reminded me how real it really is. I know, I'm an oxymoron. It was crazy to see this little human moving around inside of me, complete with four little limbs and a lightning-speed heartbeat. I couldn't help but call my little black and white blob the cutest little baby ever. The doctor agreed. I bet she says that to everyone.

Isn't it cute?