9 Weeks

**This is a pregnancy-related post, so please feel free to skip this post if you're not up for it. I do not want anyone to feel unnecessarily sad or hurt, as I completely and 100% understand how that feels. God bless.**

9 weeks pregnant, and I'm still here. THANK YOU, JESUS. I am enjoying every moment of being pregnant, and thanking God every single day. 

Yesterday I was home sick with a DOOZY of a migraine...but I took the opportunity to catch up on many many episodes of Hart of Dixie, eat half a bag of my husband's potato chips (sorry kiddo), and (try to) nap. My neighbors took the opportunity to jackhammer their driveway. Oh the irony.

I'm feeling refreshed today, but more and more like I just do not want to be at work. The walking-2-miles-to-get-here thing is getting old, and quick. Every day, I am sure that THIS IS THE DAY I will finally puke in some horribly embarrassing way...but instead, I just shuffle to work as quickly as possible with a hand over my mouth and giant beads of sweat on my forehead, praying Hail Mary's under my breath and trying not to get hit by stray taxis. Must be pretty entertaining to watch. I'm actually SHOCKED that no one at work has yet noticed how I barrel into the office, head straight for the bathroom (just in case), then bolt over to the fridge for a ginger ale which I then proceed to chug at my desk. It's quite the routine. But good practice for motherhood, I know. I'll take it.

I don't have another appointment until July, when I will be 12 weeks. Nervous mamas, how did you wait that long?!?!?! And yes, I have considered the home doppler option, but being an obsessive-compulsive and near-CONSTANT worry wart, I actually think it might do me more harm than good. My doctor agreed, and advised me against it. So, fervent prayer and FAITH is all I have until July. I guess that's all I need. But I know I will still worry. Why can't I be stronger?!

Onto the meat and potatoes... (barf, sounds horrible).

I think in pictures the belly is just starting to become visible, though honestly, it is more than visible in real life. Should not have worn that skirt today. Does not feel good on the growing bump!!

How far along? 9 weeks!!

Clothing? My normal wardrobe for now, but honestly I'm already pushing it. For example, this skirt I have on today is TOO TIGHT and making my tummy hurt. Might be time to venture into maternity territory...don't judge me too harshly!! ;)

Stretch marks? Nothing yet!

Sleep? Finally starting the multiple pee-trips-a-night thing. Usually around 1-2, then again around 5ish. Sleeping fine in general, but still having CRAZY dreams that often wake me up multiple times a night.

Best moment of this week? Telling a few dear friends and family about peanut (couldn't wait any longer!) and seeing how much she is loved already!!!

Worst moment of this week? My terrible Monday migraine--but really not so bad after all, especially since it probably means that peanut had a big growth spurt!!!

Miss anything? Eating regular meals, following a no-soda lifestyle (me and Ginger Ale are BFF's at the moment), and yes, occasionally a glass of red wine!

Movement? Nothing yet, but SO EXCITED for that special day!!!

Symptoms? MAJOR fatigue this week, on-and-off breast tenderness, heightened sense of smell, some lower ab stretching/very mild cramping/RLP, lots of nausea (but no puking), lots of sneezing (is that a thing?), crazy dreams, increased CM, and a mega bloated stomach. 

Food cravings? Yesterday had a MAJOR craving for gummi bears and hot fudge sauce!!! May have to pick up at least one of the two later today (sorry waistline)...

Gender? Had a very vivid dream of seeing BOY on the ultrasound, though we do not plan on finding out. I still think girl, though. BUT, the Chinese gender chart says boy, too. Ay ay ay.

Labor Signs? No siree.

Belly button in or out? Firmly IN!

Wedding rings on or off? On!

Mood? Occasionally a bit moody with T, but all in all, SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rituals? Nighttime lullaby, holy water on the belly in the morning, holy oil on the belly at night. And staring at the new ultrasound picture on our fridge as often as I can!!!!!

Looking forward to? Oh man...July 7th, I guess!!!! I can't believe I have to wait that long to check up on peanut!!!!!! Otherwise, just looking forward to each and every pregnant day :)

Peace, friends!