Baby Gardner- 14 weeks

How far along? 14 weeks and 3 days
Total weight gain/loss. 5 lbs
Baby Development. Baby Gardner is the size of a large lemon and about 4 inches in length.
Maternity Clothes? No, but my cloths are getting pretty snug. I feel a trip to Gap maternity is in my future.
Stretch Marks? none that I didn't have already
Sleep? Falling asleep is great, but if I wake up for a bathroom break, its hard to get back to sleep
Best Moment of the week? Seeing my family for Christmas, I miss my sisters so much, especially now. Also running is actually feeling pretty good, not getting as tired as I had been in past weeks.
Symptoms? HEADACHES ALL DAY EVERYDAY, grrrrrr.
Food cravings? Cannot get enough greek yogurt and granola, also grapefruit is extra delicious these days.
Miss anything? not having adult acne. Ever since I was put on Progesterone/Estrogen back in June, I have looked like I am preparing for a before shot for Proactive. So annoying, every morning I never know what I am going to wake up with
Movement? No, but they say between 16 and 20 weeks is when it starts
Gender predictions? Pretty much convinced I have a little man cooking in there
Belly Button in or out? In
Goals for upcoming week?Start researching safety features and reviews for strollers and carseats
Looking Forward to? Spending NYE with Ross at home in our PJ's. And not feeling like a hot mess on New Years day!!!
Thoughts? Its so crazy how much this little person is changing inside me from week to week. I am just amazed when reading the details of baby's development.

Baking like it's our job

My sister Jordan came into town and what else are two sisters suppose to do at Christmas time, but bake. We started our day of baking with a nice workout, then went home had a nice early lunch (everyone knows not to bake on an empty stomach). We had a game plan: homemade caramels,  white chocolate cinnamon popcorn, cinnamon sugar pretzels, homemade almond joys, salted caramel chocolate chip cookies,candy cane snowballs, crispy chocolate peanut butter cups, and of course almond bark pretzels. We also made a batch of gingerbread truffles, but they were terrible not as amazing as they could be, so they got thrown.

Christmas Crunch

Baking slip up(always keep your salt top on tight)

working the mixer

My little Keebler elf, Jordan

All I wanted to do was eat a big spoonful of dough, stupid raw eggs

 

 

Most of the final products

To see where most of these goodies went, stay tuned for the 14 week picture. Merry Christmas!!!

Baby Gardner: 13 weeks (2nd Trimester)

How far along? 13 weeks- 2nd Trimester
Total weight gain/loss. 4 lbs
Baby Development. Baby Gardner is the size of a peach about 3 inches in length. Very active, moving around using all it's new muscles and joints.
Maternity Clothes?Still been wearing my non preggo cloths, but favoring the looser fitting cloths.
Stretch Marks? nope
Sleep?Sleeping pretty well, unable to sleep in past about 7 no matter what time I go to sleep, but feel pretty rested when I wake up
Best Moment of the week? Seeing our little baby in the ultrasound and seeing its movement. Best Christmas present EVER. Never thought i would be so in love with a little hiccuping.
Symptoms? Round ligament pain here and there and a few headaches. But no nausea!!!! I have been very blessed in this department. And my aversion to coffee is gone!!!! Just in time for my first trimester to be finished so I can enjoy a cup of coffee now and then, thank you baby!!!
Food cravings?Nothing in particular, salty foods sound a little better than sweets. But I am eating my weight in christmas cookies though, and they were delish.
Miss anything? Nothing in particular, do miss the feeling I got after having a nice long run. But enjoying not pushing my body when it comes to working out.
Movement? nope, but can't wait
Gender predictions? I am almost 100% convinced this is a little baby Ross
Belly Button in or out? In
Goals for upcoming week? Not stressing about enjoying all the Christmas goodies over the next week
Looking Forward to? Spending Christmas with our amazing family. And doing some after Xmas shopping and finding some good deals on Christmas cloths for baby G's first Christmas next year
Thoughts?I am so thankful that I had a relatively easy first trimester. We are blessed that all of our baby's major organs and systems are developed normally and baby is doing well.

FBO!!!!

For those of you that are not apart of the cult called Facebook, FBO means 'Facebook Official'. It's pretty legit, nothing in the world is a sure thing unless its FBO. So, whats a girl to do with a little peanut in her belly, of course, make it FBO. What does this mean you ask?? It means the secrets out, the world now knows!!!!! And  we were able to have an ultrasound last week to check for Down Syndrome, and check in on our growing little baby. It was being stubborn and wouldn't roll over to see the sex, but we were able to see the cutest hiccups EVER(full body hiccups) and measure its growth (already long for its age). Ross and I were both in tears the entire time and it officially made it real for us. There is a baby in my stomach!!!! And it came at a very emotional time. As I was sitting in the waiting room after the ultrasound waiting for my blood to be drawn  the Today Show was showing pictures of all the lives lost in Connecticut. I don't even know this little nugget, but I cannot even imagine what those parents are going through. This little baby is already a part of me, I can't even imagine. I love you Growing Baby Gardner!!!

What I have been keeping myself busy with

So, everyone knows I am crazy about Holidays. The house always gets decorated, even for Easter and 4th of July. And I try to always make "holiday themed" treats, just another excuse to bake and use all my fun decorating items. So, of course, Christmas was no exception. I have never tried to go all Clark Griswold on my house, but I do like a little taste of Christmas in all the rooms. First, lets start with the wreath. My aunt Beth made me a pretty wreath that had a nice big red bow. Well, I needed to add a little personal touch and have it flow with my current decorations, so this is what we have.

And of course the tree and fireplace mantel. I have always done just black, white and silver. But this year I added some yellow/gold stars to the mix and think I like the little bit of color.

little blurry, but there are matching little yellow stars all over the tree

And we can't forget Frosty in the bathroom, this was of course Pinterest inspired last year. But he is so cute

And I had to do a little something outside. I like simple when it comes to the outside, so we went with a little lighted garland around the front door and garage. My lighted outside Christmas trees didn't work this year, so I am waiting until after Xmas to get some good deals on new outside trees.

So, enough about my fa-la-la-la-la'ing all over the house. Now onto a project that has been 8 months in the waiting. I knew if I didn't get it done before I started in Nursery mode, it wouldn't get done. And I have had the paint, shower curtain, rugs, mirror frame and vanity light, so I just needed a free weekend. I forgot to take a 'before' picture so I am using the picture I used to sell my light fixture on craigslist, so it is limited.

 BEFORE-sand colored walls, ugly light and builders mirror

And then after a little TLC and time, I installed a new light fixture, but up a frame around the mirror and added a little grey paint. Still have to hang a shelf and add decor, but you get the idea

After- grey walls, light fixture, new mirror frame from mirrormate.com

Baby Gardner- 12 weeks

How far along? 12 weeks
Total weight gain/loss.  down 1 lb this week (contribute that to a very busy surgery week). So +2 lbs total
Baby Development. Baby G is the size of a plum. It can open and close it's little hands and is about 3 inches in length.
Maternity Clothes? Wore the maternity tank..LIFE-CHANGING. May be wearing those bad boys long past maternity.
Stretch Marks?Nope, but I am a shiny sticky mess from all the lotion, oil, and butters I am bathing my midsection and chest in.
Sleep? Still amazing, hard to get out of bed in the morning.
Best Moment of the week? Hearing our little peanuts heartbeat. 168 beats per minute. So amazing, mostly to see Ross' reaction, priceless!!
Symptoms? Happy to say, almost clear of any sickness. Had a little nausea, but it went away quickly after eating some crackers. I am not taking Progesterone anymore either, so I no longer feel like death before bed!!! Also, baby likes coffee again(decaf of course)!!! it actually sounded good this morning, had a cup, and it was HEAVENLY!!!
Food cravings? Still nothing in particular, eating lots of citrus fruits though( grapefruit and pineapple). Also can't get enough greek yogurt with my homemade coconut granola, but I was like that before pregnancy.
Miss anything? Running a full mile without having to walk (YES, I  AM RUNNING AGAIN, just have to keep my heart rate under 140)
Movement? nope, but can't wait
Gender predictions? Ross thinks its a girl, I am still riding the boy train.
Belly Button in or out? In
Goals for upcoming week? Carpets get cleaned Wednesday, so the "nursery" will need to be cleared out and what used to be the office, is now gonna be spare bedroom. 
Looking Forward to? There is a small chance that we will find out the sex tomorrow (yes at 12 1/2 weeks). My doctor performs 3D ultrasounds to check for Down Syndrome, so if the babes is laying perfect, we may have some big news in the near future. Trying not to get my hopes up, and I am not sure if I am ready. It makes it so real and I am not sure Ross is prepared for all the shopping that will be done when I know the sex.
Thoughts? It is crazy that this is the last week of my first trimester, I have had a relatively great pregnancy so far and cannot wait for all the excitement yet to come. But at the same time, Ross and i are both a little scared to bring a baby into this world following the horrendous tragedy in Connecticut. My heart goes out to those families. It makes no sense and is not fair, those babies were just starting their lives. MOMMAS AND DADDY'S SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BURY THEIR BABIES, EVER.

Baby Gardner- 11 weeks

How far along? 11 weeks
Total weight gain/loss.  still hanging out at +3 lbs
Baby Development. Baby G is the size of a lime and the sex is determined already...boy or girl????
Maternity Clothes? Haven't tried out the new maternity tops, but I feel the time is near.
Stretch Marks? No
Sleep? Not near as good as it has been. Fall asleep great, having a difficult time getting back to sleep after my 3 am bathroom run
Best Moment of the week? I was at body pump and i caught a glimpse of my stomach in the mirror, it actually looked like a bump instead of blub!!
Symptoms? This past week brought on extreme fatigue and I  cannot get through a surgery without feeling like i am going to puke.
Food cravings?Nothing out of the ordinary. Luckily I have been wanting healthy foods like yogurt, lots of fruit, and my protein smoothies!!! I will enjoy this while it lasts.
Miss anything? I wish coffee didn't repulse me, the idea of it warm in my belly sounds so good. How am I going to go through a holiday season without a salted caramel latte?
Movement?Nope, but can't wait
Gender predictions? Boy, only because of the nausea. Everyone I know who has had a girl isn't sick at all.
Belly Button in or out? in
Goals for upcoming week? Clear out the room that will be the nursery so I can get the carpets cleaned and our new guest bedroom in order before Christmas 
Looking Forward to? Our 12 week appointment on Wednesday.  And being out of the first trimester, all risks go down significantly and that will give me a huge piece of mind.
Thoughts?  I am getting a little overwhelmed thinking about all the options for strollers, carseats, bottles, and cribs, just to name a few. And I promise I will try to post more often, between Xmas shopping, working a ton, updating the master bath (pictures to come), and being so exhausted, I was a slacker. Promise to be better

Baby Gardner: 10 weeks

need to work on picture quality

How far along? 10 weeks
Total weight gain/loss. 3 lbs
Baby Development. Baby G is the size of a prune. The little peanut has moving arms and legs. Toenails and hair begin to form- weird.
Maternity Clothes? Bought 2 maternity tank tops, mainly for the length
Stretch Marks? No
Sleep? YES PLEASE. Sleeping well at night except for the 3 am potty break
Best Moment of the week? Knowing all our family is in on our secret and can share in our excitement
Symptoms? Last week I had hardly any nausea, so I thought I was done with that crap. This week brought on more nausea (luckily no vomitting so far-fingers crossed). And I have been extra tired. Mint gum and coffee are still the only things that make me queasy.
Food cravings? Nothing specifically. I have noticed I have eaten more crackers/chips the last few weeks, but not sure if I am craving it or it just soothes my nausea best.
Miss anything?Lunch meat sandwiches. Just a little turkey, mayo, cheese and bread, sad.
Movement?Nope, but can't wait
Gender predictions? I got nothing
Exercise? Been doing pretty well, as long as I get to bed at a decent time. Stairmill, Body Pump, and my own circuit excercies. About 5 days a week
Belly Button in or out? in
Goals for upcoming week? Compile a list of daycare's to check out next month and start getting rid of all the crap that's in the spare bedroom and soon to be nursery 
Looking Forward to? Reaching 12 weeks. My MD didn't want me running my first trimester, so I cannot  wait to be able to go for a little jog either outside when it reaches 75 in December (you know it will) or on the treadmill. Also our 12 week appointment for reassurance that our peanut is safe and sound.

Baby Gardner: 8 weeks

Here we are at 8 weeks

(2 weeks post halloween candy = candy corn baby bump)

Secrets Out

After I took a few pregnancy tests and came up with all POSITIVES, the first person I obviously told was Ross. Since operation baby Gardner has been in full effect for a while, I have had plenty of long runs to think about how I would tell everyone. So on the first day after my period was suppose to start and I had positive pink lines staring at me, which was October 19th, Ross just so happened to be getting back into town after a LONG work trip. Our plan was to go out to eat. While Ross was getting ready, I gave him a box.

It just so happened to be the box my engagement ring came in. I told him when he originally gave this to me, he promised me the world. I told him, " I would like to complete the world you promised me". when he opened it, I had a folded up picture of the positive pregnancy tests. After a few seconds of silence, he looked up at me with tearful eyes and said "Really". After lots of cheerful crying together, we had lots to celebrate!! We could not be happier.

A few weeks later we were going to Minnesota to visit my sisters, and I knew I wouldn't be able to hold in this secret. So, as we were hanging out at Jordan's house, I gave them each a bag containing our secret.

 The note read,' Aunt Jojo, please hold this for me for when I visit you, I will be here June 26th and can't wait to meet you. Love Baby Gardner .Of course, the Palma girls had lots to celebrate!!!

The week of Thanksgiving we let our parents in on the secret. We gave them the following poem printed and put into a frame, Lets just say, we had nothing but tears.

I do not have a face to see, or put inside this frame
I do not have soft cheeks to kiss, I don't yet have a name
You can't yet hold my tiny hands, Nor whisper in my ear
Its still too soon to sing a song, or cuddle me so near
But all will change come June, Thats when they say I'm due
I'm your new grandson or grandaughter, I can't wait till I meet you
All I ask between now and then, Is your patience while I grow
I promise I'll be worth the wait, Because of all the love we'll know. 
So what I have to give you now, is a wish to you from me
I cannot wait to be a part of this wonderful family

Love, Baby Gardner

So I guess I have something to start blogging about.

I have been wanting to start a blog for about 6 months, but didn't have a good reason to get it started. Well, if this isn't a good reason, I don't know what is.

Yes, after a very long year of working towards those two pretty pink lines, we have a positive people!!! And just in case it was wrong, I did a few extra for good measure!!!!!! I am so excited to document the next 7 months not only to share this journey with friends and family, but also to have this very exciting time documented for  my terrible not so sharp  memory.