So here's what you missed while I was away from the blog...it may be a bit TMI but this blog is really for me to remember, so pardon the honesty if you think it's too much. Brace yourself...it's a long one!
Jan. 2010 - Aug. 2010
After much anticipation and discussion, we were ready to add to our family! But after thinking it could be timed and planned perfectly, God showed me that wasn't exactly what He had in mind and we waited. And waited.
Each month that passed brought more tears and doubt. Would this ever happen? Was there something wrong? I cried to Ryan each time it was clear we weren't pregnant and I truly felt for all the couples out there that struggle with infertility.
I went through some blood testing and doctor visits and all confirmed that I was "normal." The stress starting eating at me and we decided to take a quick weekend trip away to try and stop thinking about it. Hence,
the Breakers.
In the meantime, I knew God was trying to teach me a lesson in patience. Something I've struggled with my whole life. Deep down, beyond the stress and doubt, I knew He knew what He was doing and I tried to faithfully wait.
Sept. 10, 2010
We celebrated a friend's birthday with a fat-fest of a meal at Texas de Brazil. To avoid suspicion (and really, because I just really wanted to) I had some wine with dinner. Screw it, I thought. It's probably not happening this month anyway.
Sept. 11, 2010
For the past (what felt like an) eternity, I always seemed to look up at the clock right when it hit 9:11. Was God sending a message? Was something supposed to happen today? My period was supposed to start...and didn't. Hmm...
Sept. 12, 2010
I spent the morning with old work friends, having brunch at Suzanne's new house, catching up with the girls and asking Julia 20 questions about her impending arrival of baby Calvin. On my way home, I stopped at Publix for the weekly groceries and didn't even think twice about grabbing a pregnancy test. This time I splurged and got the digital kind. I was sick of misreading the faint or nonexistent lines and wanted a clear, definitive answer.
After getting home and unloading the groceries, I went right into the bathroom and worked some magic on the first test. I didn't tell Ryan what I was doing, I was just determined to get some kind of resolution. I sat there watching the little timer blink on and off, on and off.
I must have looked away for a second because when I looked back it had finished "thinking" - and it said clear as day PREGNANT. Really? No, really, seriously? God, is this for real? (I'm pretty sure I had the same reaction when Ryan proposed.) A smile started to crack along my lips and tears welled up in my eyes. It was positive. We were going to have a baby!
I walked out into the living room to see Ryan and Jax lounging on the couch, football on the tv and Ryan holding a finished apple core. (Not the most ideal time to make an announcement, I know.) I held up the test and showed him and he looked at the test, then back up at me, and back and forth. Finally, he started to get up and asked if he could throw away the apple first. Haha. He came back and we hugged in disbelief, not really sure what to do.
It was a pretty surreal afternoon, snuggling on the couch together and talking baby but trying not to jinx things. I took another test that night just to be safe. It was still positive.
Sept. 18, 2010
I can't believe I held the news in for an entire week at work. I did all I could to avoid conversation with my family, which was helped by the fact that we were all distracted packing up for a trip to Hilton Head together and each phone call was completely focused on the trip itself.
We got to town at the same time as Alex (my sis), Jess and her boyfriend Alex and all met up at the house right as my aunts and uncles were unpacking. No sign of my parents yet. How was I going to go about the day without saying anything?!
A late lunch in South Beach at the Salty Dog helped prolong things and by the time we got back, more folks were arriving at the house. It was a little (a lot) self-centered to think people would be looking at me and thinking things like, why isn't she drinking yet? or is she gaining weight? Crazy, I know. But I was paranoid all evening none the less.
Finally, everyone got to the house and most of the people I wanted to tell were in the same room. I ran upstairs to my suitcase and grabbed a onesie I had painted for nephew Carter to help us share the news, stuffing it in my pocket on my way back down. Thankfully, the last missing person (Alex) came in right as I was walking back into the room so I grabbed her and made her stop while I said we had something for Carter.
As I laid the onesie that said "#1 Cousin" over his belly, the room erupted and Kelly actually started crying! It was an out-of-body experience to be able to share such exciting and long-awaited news with my family in person. Hugs all around and anyone that was outside came flooding in to see what the fuss was about. It was amazing!
Sept. 19 - 21, 2010
It was such a treat to be in Hilton Head with my family to be able to talk about things and share in my nervousness and joy. I felt really good, symptom-wise, and still got to enjoy our typical vacation activities like beaching it and playing tennis. Funny enough, of our other Orlando friends that have a baby or are expecting, each couple found out the week before a trip to Hilton Head. It's a special place for us!
Sept. 28, 2010
First doctor appointment. I was cautiously optimistic that we would get an ultrasound or hear a heartbeat or something, but it was a pretty low key, boring visit. Ryan came with me and after an hour wait the nurse finally took us back for what felt like an interogation.
We finally made it to a room and Ryan got to experience the joys of a female exam because I had to strip down right in front of him. Needless to say, he was a little freaked out and chose to stand behind the curtain when the doctor finally did his thing.
We got to ask all of our questions and the doctor was very patient as I pulled out my notebook. He's very laid back and I appreciate his approach that basically anything is okay if you're used to it. If something bad is going to happen, it's going to happen and what you do (exercise/activity) or eat (deli meat, sushi) is not going to affect things. I'm trying to believe it but I'm also being a bit more cautious for now.
Oh, and my due date was confirmed. May 20, 2011. My 30th birthday. Amazing!
Oct. 2, 2010
So far, I am feeling really good, which is starting to worry me. Originally, my boobs hurt so bad that hugs were painful, I was instantly more tired and voraciously hungry all the time. No real nausea, definitely no throwing up, and nothing major to report. As time has passed, I have been super bloated (my jeans were uncomfortably tight yesterday), I'm still hungry (like, I feel like such a little piggy and am super worried about weight gain) and I've been a bit crampy.
Still no sickness and only the rare need for Sprite. It's so unreal to me and I keep thinking maybe something is wrong, but I haven't had any spotting or any spec of blood, so I am sure it's fine. My first ultrasound is scheduled for Friday, so I am anxiously awaiting a chance to hear a tiny heartbeat with all prayers focused on a healthy, strong baby still growing inside me. In the meantime, I'll take what little symptoms I have!
Oct. 8, 2010
Second doctor appointment. It was a-m-a-z-i-n-g. We went back for an ultrasound and I instantly loved how personable and engaging our tech was. She and Ryan made conversation while I changed into a gown and then the show began.
As she moved the wand around inside me (it was vaginal vs. on my tummy), little blobs came in and out of focus and they she stopped on this tiny little hula-dancing wiggle worm. Our munchkin!
We could see the chest cavity vibrating and when she turned on the speakers a resounding "bump-a-thump" played for us. 150 bps. Praise the Lord! A good solid heartbeat. I couldn't help but tear up and grip Ryan's hand even harder. What a miracle growing inside me!
She took a bunch of measurements and Baby M checked in at about 7 weeks, 4 days - a few days shy of what we were thinking. She kept my due date just the same, though, which is helpful to remember. Everything looked great and we got our first baby portraits.
Going to work after getting such elating news was really tough. How can any pregnant lady focus knowing what is happening inside her? I ended up telling my boss the news at the end of the day but swearing her to secrecy.
We went to dinner with
Mike and Lindsay that night and knowing we'd heard a healthy heartbeat, we felt good about sharing the news with them, too. Also being pregnant, Lindsay was concerned about eating goat cheese so I asked the waitress if it was pasturized and as she went off to check, I said it was because I had to worry about that now, too. The look on Lindsay's face was priceless - such a double-take and disbelief, and both of them immediately jumped up and gave us hugs. I am thrilled that we get to share this time together and am so thankful to have someone else to talk to and ask questions through the process.
Oct. 18, 2010
Two whole years of wedded bliss already under our belt. I can't believe how fast the time flies and I know it's only going to get faster. We spent a very low key evening together. Ryan bought me flowers and the baby a giant teddy bear - so sweet. Then we ate at Wazzabi for a lovely dinner...that is until my stomach decided it hated the food and I got really sick. By 8, I was back home and in so much pain and by 8:30 I was curled up on the couch fast asleep. So much for big celebration!
Oct. 23, 2010
My first "good" craving (according to Ryan, who has declared I can't crave things like baked potatoes - which I have) - I saw a commercial for Arby's curly fries and have to have some. Thankfully, hubby was running out and was nice enough to get me some on the way home. They definitely hit the spot! I've also been jonesing for a jelly doughnut, but have yet to fulfill that one.
Oct. 27, 2010
At 10+ weeks, I am still feeling (generally) really good and so thankful that I haven't had to experience morning sickness or any other major problems. Symptoms I have had - I've definitely lost my appetite a few times at dinner, have an aversion to red meat at the moment, and am amazed at the gassy/bloatiness that has overtaken my midsection. Thankfully, until the batteries died yesterday morning, I seemed to have only gained 1 lb although it fluctuates so much from morning to night. I have also experienced nausea on many occassions, which I liken to a hangover without the fun the night before.
I have been hit by exhaustion this past week and the thought of exercise is fleeting and depressing because I know I need to be doing it but it makes me want to cry to even picture myself going for a walk. Hopefully that will pass, because I am terrified of this making the delivery process torture and the impending weight gain even worse.
I am still hungry all day long, which makes things at work a little tricky trying to fit snacks in between meetings. I also broke down and bought two belly bands last weekend, which I have been sporting in the office for the past two days. As paranoid and self concious as they make me, no one has noticed and it is way more comfortable than trying to button my pants, so I am thankful for the investment. I don't feel like I show in the mornings - my tummy is still relatively flat. But by the end of the workday and into the night, I feel so bloated and huge. Hopefully it's just in my head and no one is noticing yet!
Emotionally, I feel pretty even keel and have only had a couple of meltdowns (that to be honest, probably would have happened regardless of being pregnant). It's still so surreal to me and I've tried not to focus too much attention on planning or baby talk because there just seems to be so much time and so much risk. I'll feel better in a couple weeks when we go back to the doctor and get to see the munchkin on the big screen again.
We served Honey Baked Ham with hash brown casserole, green beans with mustard vinaigrette, broccoli casserole, and croissants. Yum! Lindsay was sweet and even brought us sparkling cider to enjoy with our meal since we can't drink.
Lauren and Katie were a big help and brought all of the delicious desserts. The mini-cupcake snowmen were adorable!
While we head to bed and prepare for the joy and hope of Christmas morning, I hope you have a blessed holiday with family and friends and that this Christmas is the best one yet!
How far along: 18 weeks
(and yes, I am wearing the same thing as last week - it's easier to track the difference, no?)
My amazing mom is going in for surgery tomorrow morning for her third battle with cancer. Each time, she has fought and recovered with a tremendously positive attitude and I so admire her courage and spirit. I know this time will be no different and that she will defeat cancer this time, too.
Movement: nothing I can feel yet but I pause every once in a while thinking it might be there. I can't wait to feel that fluttering!
It's so fun to watch Ryan with his nephew and I just can't wait for him to be a daddy. He is going to do such a great job!
Kelly and Lincoln were amazing hosts as always and we had a great family meal at their house with the whole gang.
Kelly and I took C to the neighborhood playground while Ryan wore the dogs out on the tennis court. He even went down the slide and showed off his crawling skills in the tunnel! 
Meanwhile, Jax chased her cousins Westin and Tessa around the courts while gracious Ryan threw the ball for Wessie.
What a pretty pup!
On Saturday, we had a yummy Mexican lunch (that seems to be what I crave most these days) and Carter got to experience lemons and limes for the first time. His face was priceless!
I love these girls so much and I am so thankful that I can look to them for encouragement and support, not to mention tons of great advice for those who are already moms.
As always, our trip to Atlanta was too short and over too soon. But I loved being able to share the news about Baby M in person with so many dear friends and it was heartwarming to see the excitement and enthusiasm in each of them as they heard what was to come. 
So happy after sharing our news.
My two wonderful sisters, on Mexican night where the kids got to cook.
Enjoying Carter's first trip to the beach.
He seemed to like it okay, but wasn't super thrilled about the sand and waves.
A family tennis tournament.
We had a great time showing off our skills!
And one last lunch at the Salty Dog before hitting the road and heading home.
No wonder most of my pants won't zip! I can't wait for that to be a real bump! (And hopefully it will stay right there, and not migrate to other places like my face or arms.)
Here are some other fun stats to help me remember this amazing experience:
That's right, you read it correctly...
Ryan and I are over the moon with excitement that we will be welcoming our first little Baby M in May 2011! While we've waited anxiously for this news for many months, God has shown He is so good and that His plans are obviously best no matter what we think we want.
I felt like such a princess to be able to stay in such a storied place and so blessed that we can get away with each other on a whim. Life, and more importantly God, is so good!
Aside from simply being in awe of the opulence and weath that surrounded us (seriously, some of the people there must be rolling in it!), we spent the weekend dining at the fabulous resort restaurants...
Taking in the sites at the hotel...
Relaxing at the beach...
Playing tennis...
Ryan may claim his favorite part was this...
A TV in the mirror of the bathroom! (I told you this place was fancy!)
