Bump Watch

So much has been going on with Pat in the last week that I feel I should write down. Aside from us seeing Pat for the first time at the ultrasound, I (K) started feeling the baby move around last Monday. And believe me, it wasn't gas (I do know the difference between gas movements and baby movements and they are very different). It really does feel like flutters, which is how many women describe it. I feel movements throughout the day, but a lot at night when I'm lying awake at 2:00 a.m. I put my hands on my expanding belly and just smile. Seriously, if Christian could see in the dark, he'd think I'd gone mad because I'm just staring at the ceiling with a huge smile on my face. It's the coolest feeling and I'm looking forward to more pronounced movement in the coming weeks. Hopefully Christian will be able to feel Pat's movements soon. 

Another development this past week is the bump. Yes, I think I'm finally looking pregnant. Here's a photo Christian took of me last week. He kept accusing me of sucking my belly in, but trust me, I can't anymore. I'm just standing up straight, making the bump look less, well, bump-like.

On Sunday we went hiking with our good friends, Eric & Laurel. I slowed the group down significantly having to stop and get my heart rate down. It's been a struggle keeping it below 150, but I just keep my eye on my heart rate monitor. We rode Mormon Pioneer singletrack on Thursday night and my average heart rate was 149. Nice. I figured that hiking would be easier to keep it down but it wasn't. I had to stop a lot. At least the view was beautiful with all the wild flowers out, so I had plenty to look at while I did my deep breathing. Despite all the other fun pregnancy side effects (like killer headaches, nausea, insomnia and my favourite, constipation), I'm feeling like my energy level is back up to where it was P.P. (pre-Pat) and am glad to get out and enjoy the things I like to do, in moderation of course (my heroine habit has had to be put on the back burner for now). Everything I've read says that I can continue my activity level but need to keep my HR below 150. Besides, my mid-wife gave me the thumbs up so that's good enough for me. Anyway, here are some photos we took while hiking.

See the bump? 

Another bump shot. Definitely looking pregnant now.

This picture doesn't do the wild flowers justice. They were magnificent, thanks to all the rain we had this spring and summer. One day I will have a digital SLR and will be able to capture the beauty better.

Finally, I wanted to show off Pat's newest bib and onesie, courtesy of Ben, Steph and Jonah. As you will see, they are very appropriate for us. Pat will probably need an explanation at some point. Yes, some of you will be shocked and maybe a little disappointed in us (Mom) but it's all in good fun. Don't judge us too harshly.

And below is one of Christian, Tara and me with our gifts. Tara's is different and oh so appropriate for her and Greg (just kidding).

Until next time.

Pat's Modeling Debut

Last week we received an e-mail from the Pregnancy Resource Center here in town asking for women who were 12-16 weeks pregnant to come in as a "model" and receive a free ultrasound. I guess their nurses need practice doing ultrasounds over the slower summer months and we were happy to oblige. Hey, who doesn't want a sneak peek at the alien growing within them. It was neat because a woman from our church, DeEtta, was the nurse assigned to us that day. It was cool sharing that experience with someone we have known for 8+ years.

My (K) first reaction was to start laughing when I saw Pat on the big screen. Similar reaction to when I heard Pat's heartbeat for the first time. I think Christian was speechless for the most part. It was a moment that was a little bit funny and a little bit scary for him.  Here's a photo of me on the table. Yes, that big brown thing by DeEtta's hand is in fact an enormous mole I'm going to see if they'll remove when I'm delivering Pat. I figure I'll be numbed up anyway.

Next up is a shot of me holding a model of how big Pat currently is.

Finally, 3 shots of our first glimpse of Pat. Sorry they aren't clearer. We'll post the ones from our "real" ultrasound in a few weeks. Maybe they'll be clearer than these ones. Judging by these photos though, poor Pat has quite the shnoz. Hopefully it's just magnified or something. I mean, that's quite a beak, isn't it? I've been told I have a similar nose to Debra Messing (flat-chested red head from Will & Grace), which I do not take as a compliment by the way. Hopefully Pat will not inherit Debra's and my honker. Although I do hope it gets my nose cleavage (but not in combination with Christian's chin cleavage...how do you say butt face?). Yes, we're teasing you Pat, but you need to develop some tough skin if you're going to live with us for the next 18 years! (P.S. Pat, you have a beautiful spine. Looks like Mama is taking her folic acid afterall!)

Just look at those fists of fury in the above. It's hands were moving up to it's mouth a lot and Christian said it looked like it was eating a Snickers bar.

It's official. Pat is on it's way!

After many months (bordering on years) of trying, we are officially pregnant. As a way to keep family and friends updated with our journey to parenthood and to keep a written record to reflect upon in the future, we have created this lovely blog. Hopefully it will accomplish the goal of informing, humouring, and not offending anyone, but we can't make any promises (especially on the offending bit). 

When we first started our attempts at creating life, I (K) said that the day we found out we were pregnant, I would eat a Big Mac meal from McDonalds. Anyone that knows me well enough knows that I do not frequent McDonalds or any fast food establishments (and yes, I do judge those people that do frequent them). Why a McDonalds' Big Mac meal? Because I've denied myself that crap for almost 10 years and it sounded so good that I needed a momentous occasion to snarf one down. So below you will see me with the said meal in front of me the day we found out (April 24). I've also included the proof of the pregnancy for my own records.

Because I'm the biggest procrastinator in the world, I haven't taken any belly shots up until now. Procrastination isn't the only reason actually. I haven't had anything to show for it until the last couple of weeks. While I can still hide the fact that I'm with child, I can also show it off proudly now, although I still think I look like one of today's teenagers I see who has a belly that could be with baby or might be from eating at Taco Bell far too often. You be the judge. 

Finally, before I conclude, you should know we have named the baby Pat while it's in utero. Almost everyone I know comes up with a cute little name to call the baby while it's incubating, like Bean, Nugget, Bubbles, etc. But as you know, we are not "everyone" I suppose, which is why we came up with Pat. If any of you remember the Androgenous Pat skit from SNL in the '90's, you'll figure out why we've called Pat, well, Pat. And in case you're wondering, no, we will not call it Patricia or Patrick when it's born.