Constant Beginnings

In an unexpected turn of events, I ended up going in to the doctor's today instead of tomorrow. As a result, we had another ultrasound (in which our child did NOT cooperate again!). She was laying face down into my back, so we could not look at her face. At one point she actually had both of her hands covering her face. It was as if she knew exactly what we were trying to look at. Cute, but irritating! I was experiencing some spotting, which along with my earlier diagnosis of placenta previa, forced the doctor to place me on bedrest through the weekend. Normally I would be thrilled with the idea of staying home and, of course, staying in bed, but at this point--NOT SO MUCH! Chris thinks it has to do with my stubbornness and not doing it on my own terms. He may be right. So far he has been great getting me everything I want and need, but tomorrow it is just me and the dog. Should be interesting. So, until this fun is over...Good-bye and Good-night!

I guess my instincts were correct, we are having a girl. Needless to say, we are both a bit shocked. Everyone kept telling us it was a boy--the Chinese prediction calendar, Chris, my Dad, his parents (on the basis of familial history). Anyway, it is a girl and in true fashion, our child refused to turn over during the ultrasound, so they were unable to examine her heart or her face. As a result, we have to back for another ultrasound in two weeks. I also received some troublesome news that I have placenta previa. Supposedly, this is very common early in pregnancy and often self-corrects. Hopefully, such will be the case with me. Until another ultrasound at 24 weeks to determine progress, I am to do no physical activity. Should be rather easy since I am not a faithful gym goer as it is, however, kind of ironic as a colleague asked today if a group of us wanted to work out together. I agreed with an abounding "yes." I guess someone has other plans for me. Sad. All in all, we ha...

Today is a big day. We will finally find out if we are having a boy or a girl. Chris and I have been talking about this day for so long that it is hard to believe it is actually here. Because our insurance is ridiculous, this is a one shot thing. No second ultrasounds (unless there is a complication), so it is important our child cooperates. We have joked about this and what kind of a predictor it could be for the upcoming years, if he/she fails to cooperate today. Chris and I are fine with whatever we have. Jessica, however, ended our conversation last night with "hope for no penis." I wonder what she wants it to be? I guess we will see.

My sister, Jessica, is finally getting internet hooked up her in new digs, so I thought I had better provide an update. Also thrilled to include some faithful viewers, Lauren, Lisa and my Mom (whom I doubted would ever check this out!!). Here's the update....I had a dream last night where I was calling our baby "she." I am not sure if this is a sign, but it was the first dream I have had where the sex was determined. I should also include that the dream involved me running to feed "her" every 45 minutes. Yippee! The only upside to this is that I am actually waking up frequently during the night. I suppose it is in preparation of this exciting (??? not so sure) change. As most people know, I love my sleep. I no longer am able to sleep in (until 9 or later as in my high school/college years), but I go to sleep early (8 pm---not earlier, despite what Chris or anyone else wishes to say!!). I should also note, in my defense, that I wake up rather early--5:30 am. All...

The only way to accurately summarize my feelings at this point----FATNESS!! I thought pregnancy was supposed to be a thing of beauty. Evidently, not for me. Instead, my body looks like a fat, little sausage stuffed into clothing and my complection resembles that of an adolescent---far from glowing. Chris has been great, he at least tells me I look great, etc., but I am not sure his words are satisfying. I am looking forward to this fatness being over and a true sign of pregnancy to unfold as I have no belly to truly speak of. I just look like I ate too many donuts. I still haven't told many people at work of our expectant arrival. I guess I don't know exactly how to bring it up. I have a number of people that I talk with on a regular basis, but our conversations are somewhat superficial. I am sure with time, the news will spread. I did tell a few of my students. Two of my students thought I should combine their names to make our child's name. The result would be: DeLorena. ...

January 7, 2007 Officially beyond the first trimester. Everything is looking good. Heartrate as of January 4, 155 beats per minute. Despite going home to North Dakota for Christmas and eating everything I could, I only gained 3 pounds since my last appointment. I am pretty excited about that. My weight, according to the doctor’s scale, is 1** lbs. (Thought about listing the actual weight, but then preferred to keep you guessing!) I have gained 3 pounds each visit. No real belly to speak of, but a belly is forming. It seems difficult to differentiate baby from fat. Lisa loaned me all of her maternity clothes, which has been wonderful. I am wearing some of the jeans, but can still fit into my own dress pants. Chris and I are getting more and more excited. We have been doing research regarding carseats, strollers, cost of baby food, diapers, daycare, etc. Despite the research being fun, we have to hold off with purchasing until the 23rd. On the 23rd, we will hopefully find out the sex o...

Officially 8 weeks along. Pregnancy was confirmed 2 weeks ago with a projected due date of July 1, 2007. Overall, everything is going well. I have been feeling a bit nauseous in the morning, which is easily alleviated with a piece of toast (either cheese whiz covered or peanut butter and jelly). My other issue is food aversions. It seems that no matter what is in our fridge, nothing is appealing. We made turkey, stuffing, and gravy two weeks ago as a trial-run for Thanksgiving. Now the thought of turkey is enough to make me sick. The same goes for chicken (even my favorite Cajun chicken tortellini), and pretty much anything I have eaten once in the past month. The exception to this is Mexican. Namely—Xtapa, much to Chris’ demise. I could eat there everyday. I love the chips and salsa and the food is tasty too. Chris, however, is rather concerned that I am only 8 weeks along and only restaurant food can satisfy me. I guess he is fearful that our budget may no longer exist. I have given ...

Friday, October 27, 2006 Three pregnancy tests later and we finally have a positive! I am officially three days late with no tests to take. Chris volunteered to go to the store to buy a test (First Response) to ease our anxiety. I took it and voila-- We are pregnant. The lines are faint, which made us wonder if it could be wrong; however, Chris actually called the hotline number on the box, which confirmed the positive results. (Being a skeptic, I will take another tomorrow morning to be sure.) Wow. Tears immediately came to my eyes. Not sure if they are tears of worry, happiness or fright. Perhaps, it is a combination of all three. Chris is thrilled, wanting to call everyone immediately. I am a bit more hesitant. I am most concerned of telling everyone and then not having it be true, but decided to go ahead. I called my parents, both of whom are thrilled. I think my Dad actually was crying. My Mom was a bit less surprised because I have been talking to her about trying to conceive. I ...

October 15, 2006 We have officially been trying to conceive for one week and two days. Chris and I have arrived at the point in our lives as a couple where we feel ready to devote our love and attention to another. We have purchased a new home, developed our careers, embraced some stability in what the future holds, and planned for our futures financially. Although we have been married for two years, most of that time has been spent apart. Chris continued to finish his degree at UND while I worked in Fort Yates. This major sacrifice was made to put us in a better financial position. All of that has brought us to today. We are so excited to have a child. Everyone (my mom, dad, friends, my family and Chris’ mom) tells us that we will be such great parents. Chris is caring, detailed, goal oriented, and fun-loving. He loves to play games, get on the floor and wrestle, and teach kids new things. I, on the other hand, am extremely patient, generous, easy-going and love to spend time gettin...