Still Laughing Outloud

(Note: Read 08/25/10 post regarding my dreams before reading this, if you haven't already)

This nausea is kicking me hard core. The Zofran hasn't been very effective so the doctor called in some Phenergan yesterday, with orders not to take it during the work day due to drowsiness. I left work yesterday and picked up the prescription at CVS. I got home, took a pill and managed to stuff two small square pieces of homemade pizza in my mouth, before heading upstairs to shower and change into some comfortable clothes. I looked at my bed, deciding it was a great place for me to rest before changing. Why I thought this was a good idea, I do not know?! I remember looking at the clock and it was 7:15pm. Next thing I know, two hours had passed and Matt was waking me up to tell me I had been taking a nice little nap in my work clothes. I finally got up, changed and then slept great the rest of the night.

Fast forward to 4:15am (Matt's usual wake up time when he works the day shift). I wake up to find Matt standing over me, saying, "Congratulations! You have won 1,000,000 dollars! Congratulations, Jess!"

I woke up laughing at him. Good thing I wasn't having another dream about my winnings on the Bachelor Pad, or I may have really responded. Good try, Matt. I'm not buying it. I control my own dreams!

I seriously think this is hilarious. Maybe I am the only one? I don't know why, but I've been laughing about it all day. Laughter is good.

Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh

I had a follow-up appointment today with my regular OB doctor, Dr. D. I had asked Dr. D by e-mail last week if I could go to the shooting range with Matt after the first trimester screening. I have gone once before and really liked it - must have been my younger days of playing duck hunt! Dr. D never responded and I got an out of office message that he wasn't back until this week. I had read some articles online, however they were mixed emotions. Some said it was okay, some said it wasn't.

As soon as Dr. D entered the exam room today, our conversation went like this:

Dr. D: "Hi. So, did you go to the shooting range? Sorry I didn't respond, I was out of town."
Me: "No, I didn't go. I decided that if I didn't hear from you, I wouldn't go."
Dr. D: "Wise decision," he said, shaking his head and smiling. "Of course I wouldn't want you to go."
Me: "It is an outdoor shooting range."
Dr. D: "Oh, were you going to go just to watch?"
Me: "No, I was going to shoot."
Dr. D: "It is really loud."
Me: "Oh don't worry, I wear headphones."
Dr. D: "I know, but what about the baby?"

Oh. Right. The baby. Whoops. Sorry kid. Maybe I'll expose you to my excellent shooting this winter with the Wii.

The appointment was a quick appointment. He told me that I do not carry the genes for Cystic Fibrosis. He confirmed that my due date is March 9th. He also listened to the baby's heartbeat with the monitor and I was able to hear it for the first time. It was really exciting. Dr. D says that seeing a heartbeat on an ultrasound is good, however being able to hear the heartbeat with the stethoscope is even better. My next appointment is in three weeks, and we should find out the sex in mid-October!

How far along: 12 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 1 pound - Dr. D claims I have only gained 1 pound, but I feel like I weigh alot more
Maternity clothes: None yet. Remember what I said a few weeks ago about my clothes sizes?!
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: I'm getting up every two or three hours to use the bathroom. I've also been having some C.R.A.Z.Y. dreams!
Best moment this week: Hearing the whoosh whoosh whoosh
Gender: I really don't have any idea.
Belly button in or out?: Everything looks the same.
Craving: Gross. Do cravings really exist in the first trimester? I am still sickened by all foods and drinks. I tried Zofran, however really didn't feel any better.
What I miss: Being able to exercise and cooking nice dinners. It is kind of hard to exercise when you are spitting, coughing, gagging, and having weird burping spells!
What I am looking forward to: Being able to get passed the nausea and have more energy!
Milestones: Making it to 12 weeks. Also being able to tell our families about the pregnancy. We had been able to eventually tell them about the miscarriage, but never got to see their excitement for us with the actual pregnancy.

Let me talk about these crazy dreams. Did anyone else have weird dreams during pregnancy?! Over the past few weeks, here are a few highlights:
1. Driving down a one way street
2. Being on the Bachelor Pad with a co-worker of mine. My co-worker got in between two other girls that were arguing and ended up getting punched in the face. We spent the rest of the time trying to figure out how to hide her black eye, since she had to come to work the next day.
3. Watching my pregnant twin sister eat salsa con queso, which happened to be a combination of salsa, cheese and wine mixed together. The police ended up being called. They gave her a breathalizer and she got a drunk in public charge, arrested, and carried away.
4. Being a finalist on the Bachelor Pad. Yes folks, sadly this was on a different night. There were two of us that were getting ready to share $250,000 until they learned I was happily married and I got booted from the show. I really have to stop watching this show on Monday nights!
5. Drumroll please...I woke Matt up last night after dreaming that I had no feeling in my left leg and was going to be an amputtee. Sorry, Matt. I know you had to get up at 4:15am this morning.

Don't judge me :)

And now I introduce...

We had an appointment today for the first trimester screening at the Duke Fetal Diagnostic Center. The results do not come back for at least one week, however everything went well and the baby seems to be doing well. The heart beat is strong and all of the measurements are in line. The baby is measuring 12 weeks and 2 days today. We are learning alot about measurements...particularly that they can be different, depending on the technician doing the ultrasound! The baby was being a couch potato today and didn't want to move around a whole lot...but with a little poking, we got a bunch of feet kicking and hands over the face. We were also able to see some 3D images. The pictures make the baby look more like a blob, but watching it on the actual screen was very clear and realistic. Technology is so amazing!

With the news that we had reached 12 weeks, we decided to step out there and tell our families. It is a bit of a vulnerable feeling, as we will never have control over this situation. We wanted to be able to tell them about the pregnancy when we knew that everything was perfect, however we have come to realize that you never really know. So we've got faith and trust and went with it. We finally told my parents and matt's parents. We also told my grandmother. Let's face it, my mom would not be able to deal with this news if she couldn't talk to her own mother about it! They were so incredibly happy for us. Their reaction made us so grateful to have such loving parents who support us in everything that we do. We also finally told my twin sister and she was equally as excited. We are really blessed. We have finally given them the blog so they can get updated. We have decided to still wait to announce it to the rest of the world, for now.

So without further delay, I introduce to you, Baby Farrell :)

All Is Well On This Friday the 13th

I thought I would update my few faithful blog readers. I had my follow-up appointment today with an ultrasound and everything looks great! The baby is measuring 11 weeks, 4 days. Yes, yes, I know. That is not what the ticker says. The date the baby is measuring goes along with the time we believe we conceived so it all makes sense. Besides, my doctor is much happier with me measuring further ahead than measuring behind. I've gained 3/4 pound. There wasn't much movement today. I didn't see any thumb sucking, but the baby definitely had his/her hands over the face. Matt offers the following explanation: "I know, Jess. The baby is trying to say, 'Leave me alone! Stop looking at me so much. Please!'"

Sooooo of course, I am relieved. I also got a prescription for Zofran. I've been trying to hold out, but recognize that despising foods and drinks for this long is not enjoyable or wise :) We are headed to Virginia Beach this weekend for a wedding and we'll be staying with my twin sister (yes, preggo twin that doesn't know I'm preggo yet). She has offered me a nice, big glass of red wine when I arrive this evening. Let's see how I pull this one off! I'm looking forward to getting away with Matt, seeing my sister, and seeing all of our friends. Thanks for all of your thoughts and well wishes!

Boxer Love

Soooo, the dogs had a talk with me tonight. They pulled me aside and let me know what they thought of the title "Two Boxers and A Baby." They wondered how I could have a blog title like this, when I only mention 1/3 of the title. I thanked them for talking with me and being open about their feelings. So without further delay, the other 1/2 of the Farrell Household - Dresden & Ireland.

Dresden
We got Dresden when he was 8 weeks old. Matt and I knew we wanted to rescue a boxer. We went over to Dresden's foster mom's house to hang out with him and on the drive over, we promised each other that we would not give into a puppy's cuteness. We agreed not to come home with a puppy that day. Only two hours later, we were on our way to Petsmart to pick up some dog supplies and shortly after that, we were driving Dresden to his new home that same evening. Dresden is the sweetest dog ever. He has a very kind and patient temperament and is definitely the "best friend" kind of dog. Dresden is always showing us love, whether he is curling up next to us or following us around the house. I introduce you to Dresden...







Ireland
We got Ireland when she was 6 months old from the same rescue that we got Dresden from. We fell in love with her adorable face the second that we saw her and knew that she had to become a part of our family. Ireland was abused as a puppy. I will never understand how anyone could put a hand on her. Ireland is the happiest dog you will ever meet. Her tail is constantly wagging, even when she is getting into things that she shouldn't. She loves to give kisses and definitely tries to be a lap dog. When we first got her, they told us that her name used to be Sassy. We definitely know why. She is very opinionated and if she wants something, she'll go for it! Ireland is such a joy to be around. I introduce you to Ireland...






Dresden & Ireland.
There was Dresden, there was Ireland, and then there was Dresden and Ireland. They are completely inseparable. They are actually the same age, both almost three years old. They are the best of friends. They sleep beside each other at night, run around and play chase together, and even give each other kisses. They also get into lots of trouble together. We try to keep them together at all times, but if one of them has to leave the house to go to the vet, the other will cry! We are so lucky to have them and would be lost without them!

10 Weeks!

10 weeks may not sound like very long, but it has felt like an eternity for me. I found out about the pregnancy at 3 weeks and 2 days with a positive pregnancy test. Oh how much easier it would have been if I could have rolled into the doctor's office tomorrow and magically realized that I was 10 weeks pregnant...or even rolled in at 20 weeks would suffice! Matt and I are headed out of town this weekend for a wedding...so I managed to talk my doctor into another ultrasound appointment this Friday so I can check up on Baby Farrell before we go away :) Here ya go, for now:

How far along: 10 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I have not started weighing myself but will keep you posted!
Maternity clothes: None yet. I have always had a bad habit of wearing my clothes a bit bigger than they are supposed to be. Matt is convinced I won't need maternity clothes because he says all of my clothes are "two sizes too big."
Stretch marks: None that weren't there before the pregnancy!
Sleep: I'm getting up once or twice to use the bathroom. I'm also having a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep because of the nausea.
Best moment this week: Hearing Matt say a prayer at the dinner table this weekend, thanking God for our baby.
Gender: No idea. I just keep thinking of how blessed we would be to have either.
Belly button in or out?: Everything looks the same.
Craving: Absolutely not. Still hating all foods and having to force myself to eat.
What I miss: I miss my optimistic side. I feel like I've been plagued with doubt and worry.
What I am looking forward to: Getting out of the 1st trimester for my own peace of mind!
Milestones: Making it to 10 weeks. I made it to 8.5 weeks last time, so this is farther than I have been before.

Hello, Hormones!

Sooooo yesterday was not one of my brightest days. My food aversions are at an all time high and I dislike food. Period. Yes, you heard me. The girl that LIVES to eat is no longer eating joyfully. I say no to every type of food. I believe that sometimes Matt actually tries to test me to see how serious I really am. He'll say, "Ok, how about some chips? brownies? pizza? chic-fil-a? macaroni and cheese?" And then, he gets shot down by preggers over here.

Let me set the scene from last night: I was done. I had worked all day and had to go shopping after work to pick up a birthday gift and some school supplies for a church donation we were making. I get home and cannot stop yawning. Matt asks what I want for dinner. I reply, "Nothing right now." I stand over the sink, ready to toss my cookies at any second. There is a big thunderstorm outside. He says, "Ok, lets go to the store and get you some Emetrol (after reading that it was safe during pregnancies the day before)." I say, "Let's go." He says, "Oh wow, you must not be feeling well (knowing I don't like going anywhere during thunderstorms)." We get the medication and get home. He makes my favorite pre-pregnancy meal, spaghetti and meatsauce. I cringe at the smell. He begs me to eat. I fix my plate and am uncomfortable. I tell him I am going to go upstairs to shower and change out of my work clothes. I shower, change and head downstairs to meet my next challenge: dinner.

On the way downstairs, my foot meets a dog toy laying on the step and I fall halfway down the stairs. Matt hears some thumping noises. He says, "What are you doing over there?" I respond while trying not to cry, "I just fell down half the stairs." I hear him say, "Oh boy." I hear him set his dinner plate on the table and come towards me. He finds my sad hormonal self sitting on the edge of one of the steps, with my head on my knees, crying. My hair that had once been neatly on top of my head was lose and chaotic, with my glasses sliding down my nose. He comes to my rescue. Yes, my hero husband saves the day, physically escorting me down the steps, holding my shoulders in his hands to make sure there are no more accidents. I wasn't injured.

By the time the Emetrol kicked in, I ate a little bit of food and laughed about my fall. To which my husband responds, "Well, at least you didn't fall on your stomach." He begs me to eat more, practically stuffing food in my mouth. He then says, "You barely ate anything. Before, you would get three helpings of spaghetti and you were still hungry." Ouch, hubs. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! :)

Matt,
Thanks for being a trooper last night. I was definitely in rare form.
Love,
Wifey

I'm Not Telling...

Conflicted. That is what I am. I haven't told my family about the pregnancy, with the exception of my younger sister, Jaime. I mainly told her for two reasons initially, 1) She bought me tickets to a Tim Mcgraw Concert in July, along with a bottle of wine and a six pack of beer. Clearly, alcohol and pregnancy do not mix. I am also not afraid to admit that it would be unlikely for me to accept this gift and not use it in normal circumstances 2) I traveled with her in late July to the bourben infested city of Loisville for her birthday. Come on, I felt the need to explain myself!

Complicating matters if the fact that my twin sister, Jen, and I are about 6 weeks apart with our pregnancies (I know, how amazing!) I am about 9 weeks pregnant and she is about 15 weeks pregnant. First, I am so excited. My mind wanders to what it would be like to experience a pregnancy together, as well as to have our kids grow up so close in age. I quickly stop myself from these thoughts, desperately not wanting to get too far ahead of myself. I am simply not comfortable telling them yet. If something happens with this pregnancy (I know I shouldn't think this way, but I do. How could I not? It has happened to me before) then I do not want to create an opportunity for them to pity me initially, until I can get through it myself. I fear that any news of another miscarriage would completely take away the excitement and joy from Jen and the rest of the family. Right or wrong, it is how I feel.

I justtify my decision with this blog. While they have not been able to share in my weekly experiences of pregancy yet, they will (hopefully) have the opportunity to read this blog in a few weeks and get caught up.

Alert: Thumb Sucker In The Making

We went in for a follow-up appointment with my OB physician. I'm going to go ahead and tell you that if you see a "We," you can go ahead and assume I'm speaking of my better half. Up until this point, the pregnancy has been going fair. I have had cramping and spotting throughout the pregnancy which has had me a nervous wreck. I've had alot of food aversions and felt nauseous all day and night. Despite this, I'm glad for the symptoms. It actually gives my mind less chatter!

We had an ultrasound today. Let me tell you how amazing my OB doctor is. He is not a specialist in high risk pregnancies, however he definitely rolls out the red carpet for us. Let me change that: He likely rolls out the red carpet for Matt. We can't ever get through an appointment without talking about Matt's job. I think my OB secretly wishes he had been a police officer. My doctor has completed most of the ultrasounds which I love. He explains everything to us in such incredible detail. The baby is measuring 9 weeks and 2 days. The heartbeat is strong. Best part of our visit: Our physician saw the baby sucking his/her thumb! I didn't believe him at first, thinking, "The baby is way too young to be doing that!" However, I saw it with my own eyes...and so did the hubby. It was an amazing feeling.

I told myself that if I could make it past 8 weeks and 5 days (the time I miscarried with our first pregnancy), then I would calm down. I'm not sure how much that will hold true, but we both took some sighs of relief in the exam room after seeing our baby bean again! Matt's mission after today: "My child will not be a thumb sucker." Little does he know...I was a thumb sucker to the point that my dear mother had to put a stop to it by painting the most discusting tasting gel on my thumbs as a child. Good luck, Matt. Good luck.

Feeling Guilty

Call me superstitious. Call me crazy. I haven't posted in the last few weeks. Yes, I've been to the doctor's a handful of times. I've had at least three ultrasounds. Yet, I have no posts to show for it.

I had so carefully documented our journey up until this point, however I started to become much more guarded with my feelings. Maybe I should wait to post anything until I am further along? What if I have another miscarriage? Wait, do I really want to put all of my feelings out there for my friends/family to read? Ahhh, this is so personal! Something has changed my mind, so I'll go with it and step out on a limb.