February 27 - Announcement Photos

We had been pictures off for weeks, we were just too busy. well, we finally decided on February 27th at 4 pm. My best friend and photographer, Mallory, told us to meet her behind the police station off I-10, there was some open land and trees. Well, on our way to meet her she gave us new directions down a dirt road.

We pulled up and she informed us that she found the cutest little "town" to take our pictures but there a locked gate... We decided let's just do it! So we crossed climed through two barbed wire fences and hiked across a field of knee-deep weeds...all in my wedges and white pants! However, I must say she knew what she was doing. It was all worth it!

I was nervous about Michael staying interested and keeping a smile during the hour-long photoshoot, but he was a gem. He was coming up with ideas and couldn't stop hugging and kissing me! It was adorable.

It was pretty windy, but between that and the journey it took to get in there, it was an experience I'll never forget! To leave, we opted for hopping the metal gate rather than hiking across the field again!

Mallory took over 200 pictures, so we had a very hard time deciding on one we wanted to use for the announcement. They have been ordered and are on their way - should be addressed and sent to our family and friends very soon! So excited...

In the meantime, here is a preview of some of the pictures.

February 26 - 11 Weeks

Still feel like my hormones are in full swing... However, on a better note, I feel like the fatigue is fading a little...not a lot, but some! I also find myself snacking constantly. I don't eat as big of meals, so it's not like I'm just shoveling food in 24/7. lol Like yesterday, I had cereal for breakfast, snacked on some m&ms (PB really likes them!), 2 slices of spinach/artichoke pizza around lunch, snacked on some yogurt/granola bites, and had half a baked potato topped with broccoli/cheese soup for dinner. Okay...maybe it does sound like I'm eating all day long!!!

Really thinking it is time to get a humidifier. My skin is so irritated! It is dry and itchy, red patches on my arms, chapped lips, dandruff! Ugh, I'm a hot mess! I just bought some Aveeno lotion and lathered that all over this morning after my shower. I am hoping that works better than the cocoa butter - which surprisingly didn't help! The humidifier will also help with my breathing. The doctor said my asthma could get better or worse during pregnancy, and unfortunately I think it is getting worse. I get out of breath very easily and I have random spurts of congestion. Last week it was worse, and I'm hoping it continues to get better. Nonetheless, a humidifier would help with many symptoms and provide cleaner air for us and the baby!

Our baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some bones are beginning to harden. PB is already busy kicking and stretching, and 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. Supposedly I won't feel acrobatics for another month or two -- nor will I notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that the diaphragm is forming.

At 11 weeks, our Precious Baby ("PB") is the size of a fig,
and busy kicking and stretching!!

I can't believe that the end of the first trimester is almost here! Seriously, I just can't believe it! Time has flown by the past few weeks. I am anxious to hear the heartbeat, find out the gender, start shopping, tell the rest of our family and friends and pick a name!!! All in time...I'm sure a year from now I will be wishing time would slow down, as our little one will be growing bigger and bigger!

February 22 - HORMONES!

Yesterday was a long and stressful day. Grandmere had been in the hospital for 4 days and was finally released. She was moved to a transitional care center, for at least 20 days, to help her with physical therapy. During lunch yesterday, I went to see her. While I was there, the doctor visited and then she was released. So I ended up taking the afternoon off to spend with the family, as it is a hard time for all of us...especially a pregnant woman with hormones!

On top of which, I have stress with work, household stuff, budgeting for the baby, etc. There are so many things "not-to-do" while you are pregnant, that sometimes it becomes overwhelming. It is so easy to focus on all of those foods that you CAN'T eat, beverages you CAN'T drink, hobbies you CAN'T do... It is comforting to let out my frustrations rather than keeping them bottled up. And yesterday, I think I had too many emotions contained and they all just let loose! I was confident Michael thought I was crazy, even though he assured me he didn't think that.

Today is a new day and while I still find frustration in feelings from yesterday, I know stressing is not going to help. All I can do now is talk about it openly with Michael, family and close friends.

Ashley, my prego coworker, and I talked for a bit today. It was very comforting to hear of someone else going through the exact same things and being to relate. She came and showed me her belly band, since her pants are now getting uncomfortably tight. I told her I ordered two - and they just arrived yesterday! Some of my pants get a little uncomfortable after eating a meal, but I can still wear everything buttoned as of now! We exchanged feelings and experiences, plus tips from our doctors, books and websites. It was insightful and relieving to share those thoughts with her and hear what she had to say too. We also discussed some work related events, considering the amount of physical labor we did before will not be possible this year, even more so in the fall. That just means we will need more help from the departments and projects, additional volunteers, etc...and maybe that extra help will continue on after we come back from maternity leave! :)

I have always been an independent person, as well as passionate and emotional. I think that over the next few months I need to work on accepting help from others more and not trying to "do it all"! My emotions are going to continue to come out, and while I might not be able to control them as much as I would like, they are still stemming from somewhere. So open communication and understanding is all I can ask from my loved ones! Believe me, I felt crazy yesterday...so if I'm being over-the-top, bear with it and just listen to me, even if I make no sense at all (wait and tell me that later)! lol

Probably helping pack up and move stuff out of Grandmere's apartment this weekend. Well, I'll be doing some picture taking (of items for sale) and unpacking drawers, since my abilities are limited due to pregnancy. Other than that, I am hoping, once again, to get our announcement photos taken. We are coming up to that 12 week mark quickly and I want to have those ready to go.

Stay tuned for the next chapter...

February 20 - The news is spreading!

I got a call today from my insurance company's Maternity Program. She was the sweetest thing. We talked about an hour. She told me she would call me about once a month to check on me, and she gave me her direct number if I had any questions to call her. She was able to answer lots of questions, some that I didn't even know I had until we were talking. She was very easy to talk to. I took about three pages worth of notes, that I'll go over with Daddy tonight. Of course, she encouraged me to check with my OB on a couple items, but she gave advice based on her knowledge and experience.

I have a price comparison of the different prescription prenatal vitamins to look at and compare with how I like them. So the last thing left on that to-do list is to contact my Benefits Group to check on maternity leave, insurance changes, etc.

I told two of my other coworkers today, they work closely with me in my department and therefore, may be affected by the workload when I am out on maternity leave, not to mention one of them is also pregnant. She came over and said she was so glad to have someone to talk to about everything. She assured me that some of the symptoms really do get better and ease up after the first trimester...which is relieving, if the same goes for me! I told her I was sure she knew before I told her, since I had been asking so many questions about her pregnancy the past few weeks. She said she didn't but again was glad to be going through this with someone else. We looked at the dates and our time out will definitely overlap - with her due date as August 16 and mine September 14 - especially if she is late and I'm early or either of us take more extra PTO after maternity leave. It will be interesting at work, but she was excited about the news!

After telling Michael's parents last Saturday, his mom was bursting with joy and couldn't wait to tell David, Michael's brother...that very night! He was super excited for us, as well. She sent us the sweetest email saying she was still "all smiles about the news" but that she was facing a dilemma...trying to decide what she needed to buy first for the baby! How cute!!!

Tuesday morning she sent a message to her mother, three sisters, niece and nephew, telling them the news about "Baby Taylor"! They all replied with such sweet words: "Michael is going to be great father" and "I am happy for them"! There was even mention of a story of Michael, at age 12, picking up his baby cousin when she was crying. No one knew that he was the reason she stopped crying, until he walked around the corner holding his her.

I have to go by James Avery on the way home to pick up my ring, that has been getting resized for more than 6 weeks now. Then, home for dinner and early bedtime. Baked ziti is on the menu tonight...hopefully PB approves! :)

February 19 - 10 weeks

We are a quarter of the way through at this point! When we told Michael's mom I was 10 weeks, she goes "Only 30 weeks to go!" I guess the past 10 weeks have flown by pretty fast, but 30 sure sounds like a long ways left to go! We shall see, trying to stay positive - POSITIVE, POSITIVE, POSITIVE!!!

This week PB, barely the size of a kumquat, a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom, and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, our baby now has 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 the body rapidly grow and mature. Inside the womb, tiny nails are forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair is beginning to grow on tender skin.

At 10 weeks, our baby's hands now meet over the heart.

Finally told my boss about the pregnancy. I was walking past his office and I just went for it. He was overly excited for me! He has two little ones at home and so just the thought of a baby puts a smile on his face, ear to ear! I was worried about telling him, since we are organizing a new department and the other girl who works very closely with me is 4 weeks ahead in her pregnancy! He was not worried and assured we would work it out as needed. He asked if I was planning to be a stay-at-home mom after the baby came, I told him that was not the case. He knows, depending on the actual delivery dates of Ashley and I, there is a big chance that we would both be gone for the same weeks. Again, he assured me not to be concerned. I told him I would keep him updated with doctor's visits and anything else that comes up. He said he thought it was time to update our knowledge on benefits, since there are now two pregnant employees in our department. I agreed. Even as I was walking out, he continued to congratulate me on the exciting news...still smiling ear to ear!

Ordered a 2-pack of belly bands and 3 pregnancy books yesterday. So excited for some new reading material! Two of the books our OB suggested to us, and the other one I found specifically for Michael. :)

Our plant, the one my parents gave us the day of our first ultrasound, is sitting on the patio. Michael waters it every other day!

I have been having horrible headaches for the past few days. The doctor said it was okay to take Tylenol, so I have been using that as sparingly as possible. Possible causes: the cutback in caffeine, quitting smoking, change in eyesight, etc. I plan on calling the nurse today to inquire. Other than that, sleeping has seemed near impossible lately too. I toss and turn and just can't seem to get enough shut eye. Maybe also due to the headaches. My skin has been insanely dry. I have been applying cocoa butter all over - my face, tummy, legs, arms, back, etc! My arms have been slightly itchy too. I think that is normal for some mothers-to-be, and having a past with eczema, I'm not too surprised. My asthma hasn't been bothering me too bad lately. I still get short of breath occasionally, for no reason, but I'm not to the point of needing to use my rescue inhaler. Besides the headaches, fatigue and dry skin, everything else is going pretty well. No real "cravings". I always liked ice cream and cake, so I don't think that counts! Sometimes I stick my nose up at things, but nothing too crazy yet!

It's been about a month since the last time Michael took pictures of my "growing" belly, so I'm going to have to get photographer/Daddy on that this week! Not into posting those on facebook, but I have some ideas up my sleeve later on down the line.

February 17 - Shopping for PB

Michael made us omlettes for breakfast and we lounged around, knowing that we had another busy day. Mom, Dad, Jen and Mike were supposed to come over to the apartment at 1 for my family birthday celebration. Usually the family all goes out for a big meal, but I feel like that's all we have been doing lately - EATING! So I made other plans for this year's birthday...

We had hummus & pita chips, fruit salad and cookie cake for everyone to snack on. My parents discussed some important plans for Grandmere and her belongings. Then it was onto birthday stuff!!! Jen and Mike didn't know the new idea, so they were a bit surprised too. My dad gave each couple an envelope with money it, and the plan was for us all to go shopping...to buy something for the baby! Of course, you not limited to the amount in the envelope - you could always spend more! I had a short list of suggested items: a couple pregnancy books, belly band, waistband extender, thermometer, nail clippers, etc. Obviously at this point, we want gender neutral items, so clothes were not yet preferred.

Dad labeled our money envelope "The Taylors"!

First stop, Sam's Club. Michael and I found a baby journal that went with the theme of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book. We both said we loved that book when we were kids, so we decided we would get that, to document the baby steps along the way. I think I would also like a "nice" baby book as well, but for now, I think this one is good to write about our feelings leading up to the baby.

My dad found a "watering can" toy and was swinging it around the store, but decided we should wait on that since at first the baby will be too little to play with that outside. He ended up buying "Sophie the Giraffe", world's most famous baby teether with a matching stuffed animal. He was so cute shopping for PB!

Jen, Mike and my mom didn't find anything at this stop, but did manage to do some grocery shopping! Next stop Babies R Us. Mom got me Preggie Pop nausea drops (candies that help mommy feel better) and Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter (for stretch marks).

We looked at baby monitor's but decided that since I want the video one, we would wait on that item. I also found a super comfortable glider with gliding ottoman...for $500! It reclined, had a high back for neck support, comes in 3 different finishes & 8 fabrics - seems pretty told of the line. I told Michael I wouldn't mind getting that now! :) On to Target, where Mom and Mike got me a temporal artery thermometer (the kind you can roll across one's forehead to get the body temperature).

They also got a double pack of pacifier clips, so when the pacifier drops from the baby's mouth, it doesn't go tumbling to the dirty floor! Genius. And it says "I love Daddy" - adorable!!!

Jen got me a thing for the dishwasher, you put the bottle nipples and baby spoons in it, as well as "grass" (a countertop drying rack for baby accessories).

Michael and I didn't get anything else besides the baby journal; I want to find a belly band and a couple pregnancy books. Checking Amazon.com today, unless Dad finds them cheaper at Half-Price Book Store!

After shopping, we went to the Yogurt Spot (another one of my great ideas)! I have been craving frozen yogurt for weeks now, and it was amazing! White Chocolate mixed with Cake Batter topped with granola, cookie dough and heath bar. PB enjoyed it, I'm sure of it! Only Jen, Mike and I got fro-yo...everyone else was hungry for a meal. After getting back to my apartment, Jen and Mike decided they were going bowling, so my parents, Michael and I decided to go to Luby's - it was fast and easy. No cooking or cleanup required! We hung out there for awhile just talking. It was great!!!

February 16 - Daytrip to Wellborn

The weekend was another eventful one. It seems that even though I am limited on some of my activities, we are busier now than we were before I was pregnant! Saturday was a beautiful day and we had plans to go to Michael's Dad's uncle's 60th wedding anniversary in Wellborn, outside of College Station. It was probably a two hour drive, but it was such a pretty day to be out on the road. It gave us a lot of time to just talk and think out loud about everything. We discussed living arrangements, baby names, the pregnancy, marriage, jobs, and so much more! There's just something about an open mind on the open road...it was great!

We met up with his parents, niece and nephew at the venue where the celebration was. I met his aunt Peggy for the first time - she was sweet! We ate some hors d'oeuvres and had a piece of cake (of course)! While we were sitting there eating with his parents, Michael's mom was talking about the grandkids, Alex and Cameron. Michael suddenly says "Speaking of, how do you feel about another one?" I knew he was planning to tell his parents but in the middle of eating cake, it even caught me off guard. It took me a minute to look up from my cake, but when I did, his mom asked me "Are you pregnant?" I of course replied yes, and she gave me a big hug. I thought I was going to cry. Michael did too! She asked us about the due date and how I was feeling. She was so happy! She told John, Michael's Dad, that they were going to be Mamaw and Papaw again. He said "Oh is that right?" I have to say that he took the news much better than my Dad, but I think he also needed time for it to settle in.

Later we went to visit the grave site of Michael's Grandma and Grandpa, right outside the community center. His grandma's name was Myrtle, the same as Grandmere, before she changed it to Maxine. How ironic!? Then, we went over to the playground. We got on the see-saw and were swarmed with children! I thought that old piece of wood was going to split right in half with all that weight on there! Then we got on the swings, and then Michael got off his to push me. It was the sweetest thing. I felt like a little girl head-over-heels for a boy on the playground! Then, along comes a little girl and asks to be pushed, so Michael pushes her! My heart melted, and that little girl was hysterical. She said she was going so high that she was close to the stars and moon! We jokingly did the monkey bars, since they were too short, we just walked them! The weather couldn't have been prettier for a day out in the country!

On the playground with Alex and Cameron
(and our new friend who likes to swing)!

On the way home, we stopped by the farmer's market and got some fresh pineapple and a couple bottles of salad dressing - that sounded just amazing! We ran into Michael's dad's twin sister, Jane, and her husband, Bo. We had to pass up the pickled pig's feet and other random items they sold, but their fresh produce looked great!

We decided we would stop at Katy Mills mall to get a gift for Chelsea on the way back. That place was packed. We drove up and down the aisles trying to find parking, when Michael noticed a spot for "Mothers to be" and pulled right in. I said "I'm only 2 months pregnant, this isn't right." He said there is only a short window that we can take advantage of this, why not?! Although I had been holding my bladder since the farmer's market, so it was convenient to run right in and find the bathroom! :) We ended up doing a little shopping for us too! With President's Day on Monday, lots of stores had big sales going on...30-40% off every single item! Couldn't pass that up. I got a couple shirts and a dress that should surely fit with my growing belly. It's a good thing the longer layers and loose fit clothes are in style right now. I thought being pregnant over the summer would be dreadful, but I am thinking flip flops and cotton dresses sound great! It's got to be better than layering on a bunch of clothes to stay warm in the winter! I don't know...perhaps that's just me being positive. Last stop before leaving was Great American Cookie for a drink and something sweet!

We spent more time there than I had realized, so we decided to go straight to Baker Street Pub to meet up with friends for Chelsea's birthday. We waited for the rest of the party to show up for over an hour, before ordering our dinner. The waiter looked at me like I was crazy when I ordered a water. The music was really loud and I don't know if I noticed it more since I wasn't drinking, but I had a horrible headache. We decided to go home, when everyone was leaving to go to a different bar. I had a good time with everyone and I was glad to get out of the apartment and enjoy being around friends! Once again, it was close to 11, and I went straight to bed when we got home!

We had a great day - driving out in the country, finally telling Michael's parents the news, acting like kids on the playground with Michael, doing a little post-bday shopping and celebrating one of my bestie's birthdays! Busy day, but well worth it!

February 15 - Birthday Celebration Continues

We met my parents and Grandmere at Town & Country for lunch, since they had an 11:30 appt with Grandmere's doctors. After seeing the crowds everywhere, we decided on Skeeters. My parents gave me the unfortunate news that Grandmere's memory was rapidly declining and the doctors said that living on her own was no longer an option. They were surprised with the test results, considering how sharp she is in person. With this news, it made it even more clear to Michael and I that we needed to tell her about the baby. To our advantage, the "tablecloths" were butcher paper, so we figured we would write a note, since she has a hard time hearing. I wrote Grandmere in front of her, then wrote Grumpy in front of my Dad and Grammy in front of my mom. My Dad wrote Mommy in front of me, but I think it was too far for her to see. Then I wrote Great Grandmere. We asked her to read it. She thought we were saying she was great...so she gave herself a pat on the back! She is pretty great, but that's obviously not what we were trying to tell her. I drew an arrow pointing to her and we said "You ARE a great grandmere!" She got it! She started clapping and said we should name the baby Peter! We all laughed. My Dad said he didn't know of any Peter's in the family, but wondered where she came up with that. She kept saying "What a blessing!" We all pray that she will hang on to see her great grandchild! She surely wants to, and with her moving to my parents house and getting some around the clock attention, I hope she is able to maintain her health and memory for the better!

Grandmere's reaction to the news of her great grandchild!

After lunch, Grandmere came over to my apartment for the first time. We all helped her get up the stairs. She had some cookie cake and saw the picture of our first ultrasound. She sat on the couch after taking a tour of the place. She loved it! We told her that we planned to move to a bigger apartment before the baby comes, which would be on the first floor, so it will be much easier for her to come visit!




Grandmere survived her first trip to the apartment, up (and back down) the stairs!


Later that evening, we went to Max's Wine Dive for birthday dinner with friends. Michael and I were joined by three other couples off Washington. The food was A-mazing! Appetizers included cheese fondue with pretzel bread, pulled pork stuffed peppers and drunken bread. Then for dinner I got the macaroni & cheese (made with truffle oil) and chicken sliders (friend with chipotle honey). Michael got the lobster pot pie...he loved it!!

Mallory gave me a pregnancy calendar to log everything during this special time. Before I unwrapped the gift, she said "It's not all about you anymore!"

Chelsea gave me a gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue; she knows I love to shop! Everyone was talking about going to the bar afterwards, and I thought I would go just to do something. However, after all of that food, I was sleepy. It was 10:30 by the time we got home, and I went straight to bed! I know Michael was ready to go out for a few drinks, but he's a smart man...he went home with me!

Thanks to all my friends who made this birthday one to remember!!!

February 14 - MY BIRTHDAY

My 28th Birthday was definitely one to remember! My day started with phone calls, texts and facebook messages from family and friends! Then being showered with goodies at work (chocolate cupcake, balloon, flowers, candy, double stuffed cookie cake with my department, more singing, etc).


Valentine's Day gift from Jen - Personalized M&Ms

 I came home to surprises from Michael. We decided not to go out to eat, since we didn't want to fight the crowds. Michael made me a strawberry lemonade and asked me to go to the bedroom while he whipped up his surprise dinner. When it was ready he came to get me...ribeye cooked well done (but certainly not dry) with chimichurri sauce, twice baked potato, steamed asparagus and spinach salad with candied walnuts and bacon vinaigrette. Dessert was a homemade fruit pizza - sugar cookie crust with a sugar-cream cheese mixture for the "sauce" topped with kiwi, banana, strawberry and blueberries. It was delicious! :)



Notice the heart in the middle!


We exchanged gifts and watched a bit of tv before heading to bed...which was about 9. Probably the earliest I have gone to bed on my birthday in years!!!

My Valentine's Day gift for Michael...6 important dates in our relationship!

February 11 - 9 Weeks

Let me start by reviewing the weekend...

On Saturday, I got caught up on laundry and rested. We had dinner plans for my mom's birthday at Maggiano's at 6:30. We met there - Mom, Dad, Jen, Mike, Michael and me - and had quite the feast. We ordered the family style meal and got 1 appetizer, 2 salads, 4 entrees and 2 desserts. However, all of that is unlimited, so they just keep bringing you more!! And to paint the picture, we devoured the 2 desserts (chocolate layered cake and pound cake w/carmelized bananas and vanilla bean ice cream) as soon as they hit the table. So we asked for 1 more of each, but in the mean time they brought out homemade profiteroles - pastries stuffed with vanilla bean ice cream topped with hot fudge and fresh whipped cream! Each couple snatched one of those! After they brought the two additional desserts, we were all crosseyed from the amount of food that we had seen and eaten. Then the waitress says she has one more thing to bring out. And what do you know...dessert #8?! Homemade lemon cookies with candles to sing to the birthday girl. She blew out the candles and we rolled out of the restaurant.

Although we were all miserable and ready for bed, we were headed back to Jen's for my mom to open her presents. This was to be interesting too, since my mom thought she was going to announce the news of my pregnancy to Jen and Mike. Jen and Mike knew at this point, but my parents didn't know that they knew. So Jen gave my mom a birthday gift that was a rattle with a B. It took a couple minutes for my mom AND dad to realize that it was a baby toy and then the confusion really started. My dad, who was about to fall asleep in the chair, pops up at this point. Mike then makes the comment "The B doesn't stand for Barbara, it stands for Baby!" This really confused my parents and then my mom assumes that they are trying to tell her that Jen is pregnant! Wow - this did not go as planned. Jen clarifies that it was because she knew that I was going to have a baby - not her! We all get a good laugh out of it and Jen proceeds to tell us all how some of the things my dad has said make a lot more sense now (like specifically telling Jaime at the table that there was alcohol in the cake...and laughing awkwardly after dinner when he said "It's like we ate for 7, rather than 6!") She then opened my gifts, which included something from "PB" (Precious Baby). We found a card that said Grammy, which is what she wants to be called, and wrote a note like it was from her grandchild! She loved it. :) We didn't get home and in bed until 11, which is way past my bedtime these days, however, we had a great night! Good food and great company.


On February 9, Jen gave us 2 baby toys for PB!!!

 Sunday, we were still full from all the food, and the weather was yucky - so we agreed with Mallory that we would postpone our photoshoot. We watched a couple movies, then went to play bingo and have dinner at my parents house. We said any winnings would go towards PB, but no one had any luck this time. We will be back though! :) I absolutely LOVE bingo and we found one not too far away. There's actually one closer in Katy, but they're closed on Sunday. I am thinking this is going to be one of my new favorite pastimes during pregnancy.



FYI - 60 cards is too many for 1 person to handle!

Now onto our 9 week old baby fetus...

Our baby is about the size of a grape and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. Starting to look more and more human. Essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form -- as do the tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Our baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.



At 9 weeks, our baby is the size of a grape.
Eyelids now cover our baby's eyes...hopefully baby blues, like Michael!



February 8 - Jen is going to be an aunt!

Well, our company event was a huge success - everyone enjoyed it! So many ideas already flowing for next year. Needless to say, at the end of the day, I was exhausted. Not to mention, that I spent most of the event with Ashley, my coworker that is 12 weeks pregnant. As she was talking about her hormones, fatigue and nausea, I was agreeing with her completely - but trying to not make it obvious. She said she finds herself being mean to her husband for no reason and getting upset by the smallest things. I was thinking "Omigosh, ME too!" but instead said "It happens..." At one point, Ashley and I were both sitting on a bench in the shade talking about how tired we were and Lisa started to say something, but stopped. I knew she was about to slip, but she caught herself. Later she told me that she was about to say "Just wait until your 9 months pregnant!" She told me I need to hurry up and tell everyone already! :)

After work, my sister and I had plans to meet up. She came over to my apartment around 4. It was such a gorgeous day, so we went outside to sit on the patio to talk. We discussed her illness and new treatment that she had started, as well as other things going on in her life. Then, it was my turn to talk...

I told her I had been trying to get her to come over and hangout for a few weeks now, because sometimes there are things you just have to discuss in person. She looked concerned as to what I was going to tell her. I said "I wanted you to come over so I could tell you in person...that you're going to be an aunt!" She got teary-eyed and immediately stood up to hug me and exclaimed "Congratulations!" She then proceeded to tell me that she was worried about my news, thinking I may have cancer or was going to lose my job or something. So she was more than excited about the news that I revealed. I went on to tell her about the discovery of our pregnancy, telling mom and dad the news, our first ultrasound and my current symptoms. We then went inside and she went right up to Michael calling him "DADDY!" I showed her the ultrasound and she was ready to call her husband. So she put him on speaker phone and said I had something to say to him. It was pretty awkward, as he was probably wondering what was so important for me to say to him like this. I asked "When our baby is born, do you want to be called Uncle Mike or Uncle Mikey?" He said "WAIT, WHAT?!" I confirmed we were pregnant and he congratulated us on the news. Jen had somewhere to go, but just couldn't get out the door. She was gleaming with joy and was already planning my baby shower! She told me she hoped I had a little girl, so she could spoil her!

I was so relieved to have finally told Jen and Mike the news. I was so happy with her reaction too. She couldn't be happier for us!

Michael made dinner and we were in bed by 8:30. Oh, how our Friday nights have changed already...

February 7 - Our First Ultrasound

Along with January 15, 2013 (the day of our first positive pregnancy test), today is another day I will never forget...seeing our little one for the very first time.

I was not sure how I was going to react. I told Michael last night that I know we had three positive pregnancy tests (2 urine, 1 blood) and it has been very real to me up until this point. However, it was just the unexpected that I was a little anxious about. I know it was positive, but I felt like there was this small doubt that they were going to tell me it wasn't real. Well...they didn't! :)

Our appointment was at 8 am this morning, and thanks to my research I found an obstetrician only half a mile away! We got to the doctor's office more than 15 minutes early, but ended up waiting in the hallway with another couple, since no one had arrived to unlock the door yet. Once they finally showed up, I was happy that most of the paperwork I had printed off their website and completed prior, so that saved some time there.

Shortly after 8, they called us back. I had to give them a urine sample...which they didn't tell me ahead of time, so I didn't know if I was going to have enough! Well, I did what I could...which was probably less than a teaspoon though - no joke! And I guess it was enough, because the nurse met us in the exam room and said it was surely positive. So like I said, it's as real as it gets...now FOUR positive pregnancy tests!

We met with the doctor...and I love her! She is very nice, which was super relieving since I know other people who have gone through multiple OB-GYNs before finding one they really connect with. She said she delivers 92% of her babies, which is very encouraging. Although if, for some reason, she is not available, another one of the other 7 female obstetricians in her office will deliver me.

So then it was onto the ultrasound... We go into this dark little room and the doctor asks Michael to turn on the lamp in the corner. It took him awhile to find the switch, but he finally got it! And next thing you know, there it was...a little speck on the monitor! That was our little bundle of joy. Surprisingly you can kind of see a outline of the baby, but obviously he or she still has a long ways to go. There was a tiny flicker in that speck and that was the heartbeat! :) She said that is a great sign, meaning there is less than a 4% chance that I would miscarry at this point. Michael reached over and grabbed my hand. What a moment that I will never forget...laying there holding hands and looking at our first child for the very first time!! After measuring the length a couple of times, she told us that September 14 was our estimated due date (although that could change in time). Nonetheless, mid-September is what we are looking at. Michael and I figured if the baby were to come a couple weeks early, like I was, that their birthday could be LABOR day!!! Pun totally intended! lol


Our precious baby ("PB") at about 8 weeks and 10 cm.

After that, we discussed maternity insurance coverage and received a bag of prenatal vitamins to try. There are multiple samples for me to decide which one I like best and they will get the prescription filled for me. Tomorrow I will stop using the OTC prenatals I bought and start with the sampling trial! I had one more stop before heading back home - to get blood drawn. They will run a few tests, including one to check for Cystic Fibrosis. We should know those results Monday.

As we pulled into the apartments, Michael asked if I had talked to my parents. I said I had texted them as we were on our way to get blood work...and what do you know? They were there waiting in the parking lot in front of my apartment, awaiting our arrival. They brought us a plant and a white teddy bear - they said they got white, since they didn't know whether to get blue or pink yet! :)


On February 7, Baby Taylor receives his/her first stuffed animal.

Michael whipped up some breakfast for us and then we all had to run! Grammy is ready to mark her calendar for September 14th and Grumpy is already baby-talking! It's the cutest thing. Mallory was so excited as well, she texted me this morning telling us congratulations and that she couldn't WAIT to hear all about the appointment! I am blessed to be surrounded by so much love so early on...and I know it's only the beginning. I can't wait until the rest of our family and friends know about our joyous news. I feel guilty not being able to shout it from the rooftops, but I want to make sure the next four weeks go just as smoothly. I hope to let my sister, brother-in-law, and all 3 grandparents in on the news soon. Hopefully before Easter, we will send out a picture announcement to the extended family and close friends.
Michael is making deer steaks for dinner...and is making everything as healthy as possible. He said he read that heavy, greasy and oily foods can aid to the nausea. So since he knows that I felt sick after eating onion rings in Kemah and chicken fried chicken in Deer Park, he is thinking that was the problem in both cases. He's so good to me! :) I splurged today and had my first caffeinated drink since I discovered I was pregnant. I was so tired from not sleeping well and getting up extra early for our appointment, that a little diet coke was just what I needed. Tomorrow will be another long day with a big event at work, but then we have a fun-filled weekend to look forward to. Mom's birthday is Saturday - dinner with my parents, Jen and Mike. Then Sunday, our photoshoot with Mallory. But for now, back to work to get ready for Chili Cook-off tomorrow...

February 4 - "Tail" is almost gone

So not much going on lately. Sleeping is much enjoyed and the past few nights, I've made it without a potty break, which is awesome! :) Trying not to lift anything too heavy, rest as much as I can, drink as many liquids as possible (and not too close to bedtime)....

Our baby is now 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean. New this week: webbed fingers and toes are poking out from our baby's hands and feet, eyelids practically cover the eyes, breathing tubes extend from the throat to the branches of the developing lungs and the "tail" is just about gone. Arms have lengthened too, and hands are now flexed at the wrist and meet over the heart. The knee joints have formed and the feet may be long enough to meet in front of the body. In the brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another forming primitive neural pathways.

At 8 weeks, our baby can bend his elbows and knees.

Three more days until we go for our first doctor's appointment. Oh my goodess...I can't believe it! It seemed like February was so far away when I first called to make an appointment. Please send prayers that we like our obstetrician and we hear a good, solid heartbeat from the little one!!!