Weekly Survey - 21 Weeks!

(Baby Boy E belly... 21 weeks! Over halfway and celebrating with some Starbucks this am! YUM!) 

How far along?: 21 weeks! Over halfway... yayyyy!!! :)

This week, Baby E is the size of a: POMEGRANATE! When I shared this info with my Dad today... He responded with, "What the hell is a pomegranate??!" Haha! I explained to him that my mom and I like chocolate covered pomegranates! He said, "Oh, ok, I like chocolate!" My Dad cracks me up! Just love him!!! 

Maternity clothes?: Almost to the point where it's not even an option anymore!! I still have some leggings, yoga pants, and cardigans (that I can wear) that are not maternity! But for the most part, everything else is maternity!

Total weight gain/ loss: GROWING like a boss... baby boy and momma both!!

Stretch marks?: Not yet (and have finally started preventive measures... we'll see if it actually helps!)!

Sleep: Pretty good for the most part. I, still, have nights here and there that are not stellar, but I really can't complain too much!

Best moment this week: I would have to say still feeling Baby E moving and grooving in there! It's the best and most amazing feeling! I love when he gets all active and excited when he hears Daddy's voice! CUTEST THING EVER! Our boy sure loves his Daddy already (and I LOVE that!)! :)

Movement?: Absolutely and loving every punch, kick, and flip that our baby boy is doing in there! It's actually a VERY comforting feeling at this point!!

Food cravings: Nothing specific... I pretty much am craving any and all food! Hence the "growing like a boss!" hahaha.

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope.

Have you started to show yet?: Oh goodness yes! I've decided this week that it's time to embrace and accentuate the bump! I might as well try to look as cute (and COMFORTABLE!) as possible with my growing and changing body, right??!

Labor signs?: No.

Belly Button in or out?: In still.

Wedding rings on or off?: On still, but feeling tighter at times!

Happy or Moody most of the time?: HAPPY!!! (Made me think of this awesome song/ video!) Everytime I hear it, I want to just get up and dance around! LOVE IT!!!





Symptoms: Same as last week!

What I miss: My exercise has not been very stellar lately and I really need to stick with it! My running has almost completely stopped (but still trying to stick with walking!). This cold Kansas weather has not helped (It's so much harder for me to get ready and go to the gym! I would rather just walk out my front door! Ugh!)!!!

What I'm looking forward to: Registering and getting the nursery ready!

Gender: Little Man!

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) This week your baby will learn the most biological of functions. The circadian rhythm. This means they will sleep and wake in cycles, much like the ones they will have when they are born. You baby is still very skinny and your baby's skin is translucent. The brain begins another period of rapid growth and your baby is able to swallow amniotic fluid. The weight gain will slow just a little as brain function and heart function take center stage for the next few weeks. Fingernails, toenails, eyelashes, eyebrows and other minor details are all now happily in place!

Weekly Wisdom: Make sure that Daddy-to-be gets some time to bond with baby. He can read books, sing songs, talk to the baby, and rub your belly for some bonding time. Mark likes to read and just talk to our baby boy. Remember that baby can hear you. Mom also needs to remember that the baby can sense anxiety levels. It is important to be calm and relaxed, which will soothe your baby. It's probably also time to begin thinking of names! This can be a difficult, but fun decision. Just remember it will stick with your child for the rest of his or her life. Name wisely... NO PRESSURE, huh??! hahaha. If you haven't started a pregnancy journal (of some kind) yet, now would be a great time to do so... just my opinion! :)

We love you to the moon and back (and even more), sweet boy!!! *Hugs and kisses from Momma and Daddy!*

My 5 Month Pregnancy Must-Haves!

These are just a few items that I'm pretty sure I could not live without right now (at 5 months pregnant!)! 

{1} - My prenatal vitamins... DUH, these are a MUST for every expecting mommy out there! I love these ones, but as long as you are taking some (that don't make you feel icky), then you are good to go! :)

{2} - My PURPLE Camelbak water bottle ... Holds a bunch of water, which is good, because I'm drinking TONS of water these days! Plus, it's PURPLE!! Doesn't get much better than that! 

{3} What to Expect when You're Expecting ... Such a great informational book! Pretty much my go-to book right now. That is when I'm not going to my mom, prego work friend (Maggie), and doctor for information! hahaha. I sure love my Momma, Maggie, and Doctor for all of their advice and help... don't know what I would do without them either! 

{4} Champion yoga pants from Target ... I live in these pants when I'm not at work! If I could live in them at work too, I absolutely would!! haha! The ones in the link are not the exact ones, but they are pretty close!

{5} Assorted Berry Tums ... With the heartburn I have been having lately, these things are a must after almost every meal! Ugh!! Not the tastiest things, but better than suffering from the indigestion, that's for sure! 

{6} Leachco Sleeper Keeper Pillow ... This pillow has really helped me sleep better at night! It has also helped me stay on my side instead of on my back. My hubby bought this for me (probably after hearing enough of me complaining - ha!)! He really is the best! So thankful for my great night's of sleep!

It's A....

...B-O-Y!!!!

We are so excited to announce that our little peanut is a little man! Yayyyy! :) Here are some pictures from our Gender Reveal Party that we had for our immediate family on 2/15/14! Such a fun and exciting day! Here is your warning: Lots of pictures are to follow! View at your own risk and ENJOY! haha.

(The super cute invite for our Gender Reveal Party! Thank you Steph! We LOVED them!)

 

(Some of our decor for the party! Lots of work, but so worth it!)

 

(Chalkboard Art for the party and Presents for our families... containing a BLUE picture frame with a sono pic of our sweet little man!)

 

(Wishes for Baby form that we had each family member fill out... we LOVED reading the responses!We plan on sharing these with Baby Boy E when he is older (maybe when he graduates!)!)

 

(Old Wives Tales, which turned out being pretty darn accurate! haha!)

 

(Made some pink and blue sprinkled chocolate covered pretzels for the party... yum!)

 

(Veggie cups and Fruit kabobs for the party... both easy and great ideas! Thank you pinterest!)

 

(Drink Station for the party! We had Baby Girl punch and Baby Boy punch! Let me know if you want the recipes... super easy!)

 

(Potato Soup Station! Thank you, Heidi, for the delish recipe... I will post the recipe later. Super easy and super yummy! Even my picky Dad and Husband love it!)

 

(Gender Reveal donuts from Krispy Kreme!) (Backwards picture frame... part of the reveal, as well!)

 

(Part of the fam dressed in their guesses - the Grandparents all thought it was a girl!)

 

(Gender Reveal donuts... before and after... IT'S A BOY!!)

 



 (Our nephews finding out if their guesses were right... They were! They are happy about a new boy cousin in the family! Also, my sweet SIL (and first time Auntie!) Heidi!!)

 

(More family reveal pics! Our sweet nephew, Calvin, is excited that his cousin is a boy too!! I can't wait for those two to be able to play together!)

 

 (The picture frame could finally be turned around after the donut reveal!)

 

(IT'S A BOY!!!!!!! We are so excited about the arrival of our little boy in July! We love him, so much, already!)

 

 (Sweet note to Baby Boy E inside a book from Grandpa Mike and Grandma Melia... it made me tear up, of course!)

 

Baby Boy E is so blessed to have such an amazing family and friends! Mark and I feel truly blessed with our wonderful family as well! We can't thank you all enough for coming and continuing to support us during this exciting time in our lives! We love you all so much! Also, thank you to our friends who continue to support us and share in this exciting time! We look forward to sharing many more years and events with all of you! Big hugs and loves! 



Weekly Survey - 20 Weeks!

2/19/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

 





 (Baby Boy E belly at 20 weeks!! Halfway point and Baby and Momma are both growing!)

How far along?: 20 weeks! We have made it to the halfway point! Time is just flying by!!

This week, Baby E is the size of a: BANANA!!

Maternity clothes?: Definitely more often than not now! Our sweet boy is growing like crazy... and so is Momma!! YIKES! hehehe...

Total weight gain/ loss: See above about maternity clothes... Momma and Baby Boy E are growing, growing, growing! So, yup, I'm still gaining weight! Oh joy!

Stretch marks?: Not yet.

Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well, other than my right arm falling asleep all the time and my hips/ back are still hurting on occasion! Ugh!

Best moment this week: Having the Gender Reveal Party for our immediate family and sharing with everyone that we are expecting a little boy in July! I have also loved all the movement that I'm feeling! Baby Boy E is very active (and I'm loving it!)! We loved being able to see all of your tiny parts on the sono this week, too! Your arms, legs, arms, hands, feet and toes (you have LONG toes like Momma), brain, etc.

Movement?: Yes, yes, yes! I'm 100% positive now that I can feel my little man moving around in there! I'm loving it!! I can't wait for Daddy to be able to feel him too! Last night, he was moving around like crazy as soon as he heard Daddy's voice (after Mark got home from work.)! I love that they are already bonding!! :)

Food cravings: Still salty and spicy! Nothing specific though.

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope.

Have you started to show yet?: Oh yes, my baby bump is now almost as big as the "girls!" hahaha... TMI!!

Labor signs?: no.

Belly Button in or out?: in.

Wedding rings on or off?: on still.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Happy, for the most part. Tend to have my moments with impatience! whoops!

Symptoms: HEARTBURN!! Swelling and painful feet (when I'm on them all day - which is most days! ha!), hip and back pain. The usual stuff!

What I miss: I've really been craving a Mr. Goodcent's sandwich lately! My running is definitely starting to dwindle too... wondering how long it will be before I have to give up running altogether??!

What I'm looking forward to: Registering and getting the nursery makeover underway!

Gender: BOY!!!!

(Our sweet little man at our sono... Baby Boy E is in the 78th percentile for weight! Big boy... LOVE it!!)

 

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) The placenta is done growing, but not done working. The vernix is now covering your entire baby and the skin is beginning to thicken. The teeth buds (complete with enamel and dentin) are complete and hair growth on the head is going into overdrive. Your baby can now see, hear, and SMELL - the latest sense to develop. If you are having a boy (WHICH WE ARE!!!), the testis are starting to descend. Your baby is practicing breathing - despite having very immature lung functions. Your little one will start kicking its legs and arms with more force in the upcoming weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: We need to start thinking about registering for childbirth classes!!

 

Baby Boy E... We love you so much and are so excited that you are healthy and growing right on schedule!! Keep it up! We can't wait to continue to prep for your arrival in July!! P.S. We loved sharing your big news with our family this past weekend and look forward to continuing to share all of your big news with them in the future! *HUGS AND KISSES from Momma and Daddy!*

Weekly Survey - 19 Weeks!

2/12/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

 

(Baby E belly at 19 Weeks!! Definitely growing and I'm loving it!)



How far along?: 19 Weeks!

This week, Baby E is the size of a: MANGO!!

Maternity clothes?: Still able to wear some regular clothes (in slightly bigger sizes), but definitely headed towards maternity (or stretchy) clothes for more often than not. Why not, right??! Might as well be SUPER comfy! :)

Total weight gain/ loss: My belly has definitely been growing, so that means I'm gaining, folks! The number is still a secret! hehehe.

Stretch marks?: Not yet! ha!

Sleep: Sleeping better this week than last week. However, my hips and back are still hurting. I took some tylenol last night to ease some of the discomfort and it definitely helped.

Best moment this week: Feeling Baby E move around like crazy! It's mostly at night, when I'm sitting still... but I'm loving every bubble/ flutter!

Movement?: YES! See above. :)

Food cravings: Nothing specific really! I'm starting to want sweets a little bit more than normal, which is new for me! Mark and I are not HUGE sweets people!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope. Can't think of anything.

Have you started to show yet?: Sure have! Well, I think I have! :)

Labor signs?: no.

Belly Button in or out?: in.

Wedding rings on or off?: on.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Depends on the situation, but I would say happy for the most part.

Symptoms: HEARTBURN... ugh!! I'm still having a lot of the same symptoms as before too.

What I miss: Some food things here and there! Exercise (duh!) - but I actually took like 2 weeks completely off from it because of being sick and whatnot, and started back to it last night and had a great workout, so that was wonderful!!

What I'm looking forward to: TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY (as long as Baby E cooperates) - we get to find out if our little peanut is a HE or a SHE! We are so excited! We are also looking forward to our gender reveal get together with family on Saturday! Have to keep my mouth shut until then! hehehe.

Gender: We, hopefully, find out tomorrow!!! :)

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) Vernix, which is a cheesy substance, is starting to cover your baby. This helps with delivery and protects your baby from the constant exposure to moisture. Your baby is swallowing more and more amniotic fluid. And your baby's digestive organs are responding already. The ten tiny toes are developing. Right now, your baby sleeps 18 hours per day and is awake for six hours. During awake times, which are often when you are resting, your baby will be very active.  

Weekly Wisdom: Pregnancy pillows (or just a body pillow) are AMAZING, and I highly recommend getting one! It has definitely helped with some of the discomfort during sleep! This is the one that my WONDERFUL hubby purchased for me! Sleeper Keeper Pillow . My other piece of advice, if you are suffering from heartburn, get some TUMS!!! I eat those things on a regular basis now! ha!



 





Weekly Survey - 18 Weeks!

2/5/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

(Baby E belly... 18 weeks! 3 snow days to give me more time to get over this sinus infection!)

(Daddy read another bedtime story to Baby E! Baby E must've liked this one, because he/she was moving around a lot afterwards! LOVE it!!!)



How far along?: 18 weeks!

This week, Baby E is the size of a: SWEET POTATO!

Maternity clothes?: Still just sometimes! More often than not, that's for sure! Plus, I'm loving my sweatpants when I'm not at work.

Total weight gain/ loss: Still gaining! My booty and thighs are getting huge! Ugh! 

Stretch marks?: Nope.

Sleep: Not as great this week, but I blame that more on this darn sinus infection (that I'm still trying to get over... It's been a week already! Miserable!!!)! 

Best moment this week: I am now pretty positive that I'm feeling our little peanut kick and move around in there... Such a weird and amazing feeling!! :)

Movement?: Yes!!! Feels like bubbles/ flutters right now, but I'm pretty positive I can feel our little one moving around and I LOVE it! 

Food cravings: Actually haven't had any strong cravings this week (think its because I have been sick and nothing sounds or tastes great to me!)! 

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope... Not that I can think of.

Have you started to show yet?: Oh my goodness, yes!! Especially this morning (Monday, February 10th) - I think my belly doubled in size over the weekend! YIKES!

Labor signs?: No.

 

Belly Button in or out?: In.

Wedding rings on or off?: On.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Happy most of the time, but of course I still have my moments!

Symptoms: My hips have really started hurting at night, especially while trying to sleep! So, that hasn't been great fun... and I still have all the same symptoms from the past two weeks! The joys of pregnancy, right??! hehehe.

What I miss: Have really missed the exercising this past week and a half with being sick. Have also missed a few food things here and there.

What I'm looking forward to: SONO on Thursday (2/13/14) = We, hopefully, get to find out Baby E's gender!!! Also looking forward to our gender reveal party with family on 2/15/14!! So EXCITED!!!

Gender: As long as Baby E cooperates, we get to find out this week!! Yayyyy!!!

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) From today through the next four weeks, your baby's weight will increase by six times. The legs and arms will begin growing quickly to bring your baby's body into proportion. Believe it or not, the umbilical cord will also grow thicker and longer as your baby grows. Your baby is very active and is developing fingerprints this week. The hearing is becoming more acute and your baby now responds to different levels of light.  

Weekly Wisdom: Keep exercising, if you can, and keep getting rest!! I know I will soon miss those days of being able to rest whenever I want! hehehe.

 

I have LOVED feeling you move around in there, Baby E! Most amazing feeling ever!! We really hope you cooperate at our appointment on Thursday! Hopefully on our next post, we will be able to reveal if you are a little he or a little she! Momma thinks you are going to be a little he! Hmmmm... I guess we will find out!??! We just hope you are a healthy and happy baby, really!!!! We love you, so much, already!! Hugs and kisses, little one! :)

Weekly Survey - 17 Weeks!

1/29/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

 (17 Week Baby E belly! AND Momma is sick... Ugh!)





How far along?: 17 weeks. 

This week, Baby E is the size of an: ONION!

Maternity clothes?: Not all of the time, but definitely more frequently.

Total weight gain/ loss: Yup, still gaining! :)

Stretch marks?: No.

Sleep: Loving my prego pillow - definitely helping me sleep better! However, I have had a horrible cold the past several days, so sleep has not been great! Ugh! Finally starting taking Sudafed today - based on doctor's advice, so hope to start feeling better ASAP! Being sick while pregnant is NO joke! It stinks!

Best moment this week: Ordered, received, and sent out Baby E's gender reveal party invites! Yayy!

(Gender reveal party invites arrived and have been sent out!! Yayyyy!!) 

Movement?: I feel like yes, a couple of times - little bubbles and flutters, but still not 100% sure!

Food cravings: Noodle soup - I think this is because of being sick! So, not really a craving! However, I did get a hankering for these Sour Punch Bites (reminded me of my SkateTown days! ha!)!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not really - everything is giving me heartburn now! Tums are a MUST quite frequently! Ugh!

Have you started to show yet?: I think so, yes!!

Labor signs?: no.

Belly Button in or out?: in.

Wedding rings on or off?: on.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Happy, until I got sick - Now I'm annoyed with the constant need to sneeze, clogged nose, and clogged ears!

Symptoms: Same as week 16.

What I miss: Crazy hard workouts (yes, still missing these! Sorry I keep bringing it up!) and cold cut sandwiches (where I don't have to microwave the meat) - kind of craving a turkey sandwich from Mr. Goodcents as we speak! ha!

What I'm looking forward to: Getting over this cold, Baby E's gender reveal party on 2/15/14, and continuing preparations for our sweet peanut!

Gender: 2/13/14 - can't wait!

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) Your baby continues to suck, swallow, blink, and breathe in amniotic fluid. The taste buds are all in place. Your baby can now hear you! By birth, your baby will be able to recognize voices that are often around.

(It is believed that babies can begin to hear (while in momma's belly) as early as 17 weeks, so we had a family bedtime story on 1/31/14! Thank you to sweet C-bug, Baby E's cousin, for this book! We love it!)

Weekly Wisdom: Time for Daddy to start reading to and talking to baby! Being pregnant and sick is no joke - take time to recover and don't push it!

P.S. It turns out that this sickness was not just a cold - ended up going to Urgent Care on Saturday and I have a severe sinus infection. Yuck! I'm on an antibiotic now and hoping to begin the recovery ASAP! This has been awful and has completely knocked me on my booty! Have been out of commission for 6 days now! 

We love you, so, so much, Baby E! Keep growing!!! :) 

Weekly Survey - 16 Weeks!

1/22/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

(16 Week Baby E belly! Again, non-maternity pants vs. sweatpants!)

How far along?: 16 weeks (aka 4 months!- whatttt??! Already?!)! Time is flying by!

This week, Baby E is the size of an: AVOCADO!!

Maternity clothes?: Sometimes, but definitely leaning towards more often! Went to Gap and stocked up on some good, basic, and simple tops! Also got a super cute maternity running top! Yay!

Total weight gain/ loss: Still gaining! :)

Stretch marks?: No.

Sleep: Still struggling with not sleeping on my back, so my wonderful hubby broke down and bought me a pregnancy pillow, which should be delivered tomorrow - can't wait!

Best moment this week: It's been like Christmas around here - new maternity clothes, prego pillow, Baby E's super cute carseat canopy arrived (which was an awesome deal - only had to pay S&H ($12.95) for an item that usually costs $50!)! Check out all of the cute choices here at Carseat Canopy ! My belly is growing (I love it!) and we have been getting a lot accomplished in preparation for Baby E!

 (Prego Christmas at the Ernst Home! Carseat canopy, prego pillow, new maternity clothes, and Baby E bump in the new maternity clothes!)

 (Yayyy for energy to get out and run! Definitely starting to look prego from front and side... the hips are widening! haha.)

(Slow and steady run, but at least I'm still sticking with it, right??!)

Movement?: Not sure, but probably before too long. I can't wait!

Food cravings: Chips and HOT salsa!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: I think I overdid it on the caffeine today (Diet Dr. Pepper and a small (Tall) Starbucks half-caf. Americano - my stomach started to get a little icky! Sorry, Baby E! 

Have you started to show yet?: I feel like I am!

Labor signs?: No.

Belly Button in or out?: In!

Wedding rings on or off?: On.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: Yes! hahahaha.

Symptoms: Heartburn, bloated, and frequent potty breaks! Oh, and prego brain, swelling, headaches, dizziness, and emotional - YIKES! 

What I miss: Still missing my long runs, but so thankful that I am still able to do short runs!

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out Baby E's gender on 2/13/14, Our gender reveal party with family on 2/15/14, and continuing preparation for Baby E.

Gender: Will find out on February 13th - an early Valentine's present! 

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) Baby's opposable thumb is now working, so baby can grab hold of things. Bone growth is spiking, yet many of the bones are not yet connected to one another. The umbilical cord is now firmly attached to your baby's abdomen. Your baby is able to move it's eyes, even with the lids still fused together. The tiny heart pumps an amazing amount of blood per day. Baby is about as long as a pencil and as plump as an avocado. Baby's biggest job is learning how to utilize the brain to move the body, something baby will be practicing even beyond birth. The movements are becoming more purposeful and will feel like gentle flutters to you. 

Weekly Wisdom: Start preparation early - even if you feel you have plenty of time, because time flies by and you want to be able to enjoy it too!

Love you to the moon and back (already!), Baby E!!

Weekly Survey - 15 Weeks!

1/15/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

(15 Week Baby E belly! Non-maternity pants on left vs. Sweatpants on right! I sure love my sweatpants!)



How far along?: 15 weeks!

This week, Baby E is the size of an: APPLE! 

Maternity clothes?: Sometimes - hopefully going shopping for more maternity clothes soon!

Total weight gain/ loss: Still not sharing this information. Sorry!

Stretch marks?: No.

Sleep: Trying to get used to not sleeping on my back - it's a struggle! Still waking up several times an evening to rotate. Probably going to need to invest in a pregnancy pillow! 

Best moment this week: My Baby E bump is growing (and I'm loving it!!)! Getting back into running (3 miles! Yay!)!

Movement?: Don't think so, but probably before too long! 

Food cravings: These are actually shifting a bit. Some of my faves this week include: chips and HOT salsa, oranges, some sweets (but not many), and still spicy V8 juice.



(Can't get enough of oranges this week!)

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not really! Not a fan of trimming chicken this week - yuck! Hubs had to do it - Thank goodness for him!

Have you started to show yet?: I think so, yes! It depends on what I'm wearing too! :)

Labor signs?: Nope!

Belly Button in or out?: in.

Wedding rings on or off?: on still.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: I have my moments! ha! :) :(

Symptoms: Starting to get frequent heartburn! Ugh! Still spending a lot of time in the restroom! ha!

What I miss: Rigorous exercise, mainly long runs.

What I'm looking forward to: Same things as week 14! :)

Gender: Still don't know - 2 more appointments and soooooo excited!

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) Ossification begins this week - the mini bones in baby's body will begin hardening. The face is becoming more defined and baby is gaining weight and length quickly! Inside your belly, your baby is blinking, swallowing, yawning, and even batting eyelashes that are now present. Your baby may even be smiling! :) The brain is structurally developed and will be working to increase mass from now to delivery. Your baby is also very active, strengthening the neck and back muscles. Unfortunately, your baby is probably still not big enough for you to feel this movements. 

Weekly Wisdom: Keep exercising, if you can! It has helped me to continue to feel good (and I think it has helped me continue to sleep well!)!

We love you, Baby E!!! 

Weekly Survey - 14 Weeks!

1/8/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

{Another ultrasound this past week!!)

 (14 Week Baby E belly!)

How far along?: 14 weeks!

This week, Baby E is the size of a: LEMON!!

Maternity clothes?: Not shirts yet, but probably before too long! Pants, yes or regular ones in a bigger size!

Total weight gain/ loss: The bump is growing and that's all you need to know!

Stretch marks?: Nope.

Sleep: Still going well with only a few odd dreams.

Best moment this week: Positive news from the doctor and having enough energy to exercise more! However, the absolute best was seeing our sweet baby on another sonogram - so amazing to see you moving around like crazy! :) 

{All of the awesome pics we got from the sonogram this time!}

{Had to document the bump after exercising! hehe.}

Movement?: Still not sure, but can't wait!

Food cravings: Still salty and spicy! Some faves right now include: popcorn with salt 'n spice, hot jalapeno pickles, spicy V8 juice, sriracha (on pretty much anything!), and Frank's Red Hot wing sauce!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope! No food aversions!

Have you started to show yet?: The bump is growing, but looks more like an extra large muffin top right now!

Labor signs?: no.

Belly Button in or out?: in.

Wedding rings on or off?: on.

Happy or Moody most of the time?: For the most part, happy! However, I have had my moments!

Symptoms: Still tired at times and spending a lot of time visiting the restroom! hehe. 

What I miss: Still missing coffee and rigorous exercise.

What I'm looking forward to: Decorating the nursery, registering, and gender reveal appointment.

Gender: Don't know yet - only 2 more appointments!

Milestones: (Based on pregnancy app) Lanugo, a fine layer of hair will begin forming on your baby. Lanugo protects your baby's skin. Your little one is now relying upon the placenta and umbilical cord to nourish its body. Your baby is also practicing inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This strengthens the muscles that your baby will use to breathe when born. The hands are becoming more coordinated everyday and soon will be grabbing things in utero. The ears and eyes are still developing and moving as your baby's face becomes more human-like.

Weekly Wisdom: Stay positive! Read those informational books - they really have helped me with what to expect.

Keep growing, Baby E! We love you so much!!

Weekly Survey - 13 Weeks!

1/1/14 (Pregnancy Journal Date)

 {7 Week Ultrasound picture! Our little Firecracker!}

{13 Weeks!}

How far along?: 13 weeks - Yayyyy for second trimester!!!

This week, Baby E is the size of a: PEACH!

Maternity clothes?: Pants, yes - sometimes! I have a couple of shirts, but mainly still in regular shirts (just bigger sizes!). Bras are a whole other story - the "girls" are growing like crazy and it was absolutely necessary to get maternity bras already (again, you're welcome for the TMI)!

Total weight gain/loss: You're crazy if you think I will ever disclose this information! Let's just say, I'm gaining weight! :)

Stretch marks?: No.

Sleep: Still sleeping well and loving it! I love my sleep, that's for sure!

Best moment this week: Reaching the second trimester!! Also, getting some energy back!

Have you told family and friends?: Yup - we were so excited to share our wonderful news!

Movement: Sometimes I think I feel little flutters (like butterflies), but think it's still too early.

Food cravings: Salty!! My first craving was popcorn! Now, craving pickles (even drinking the juice - eek!)! My husband thinks that craving is completely revolting! haha! He hates pickles! I'm also craving spicy V8 juice.

 

{New book and fulfilling my popcorn craving!}

{Lovin' me some pickles!!}

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nope! Haven't had any "morning sickness" at all (knock on wood!) and no food aversions!

Have you started to show yet?: I feel like I'm getting a little pooch - not quite a bump yet.

Labor signs?: Nope!

Belly button in or out?: In still.

Wedding rings on or off?: On still.

Happy or moody most of the time?: Have been kind of cranky lately - oops!

Symptoms: Still tired and going potty a lot!! haha! Also, growing "girls!" (Oh sorry, pregnancy consists of a lot of TMIs!)

What I miss: Celebrating NYE with a cocktail (toasted with sparkling grape juice this year though!), having multiple cups of coffee a day, and energy to exercise! I miss these things, but just a bit, because the reward is going to be so much better and well worth it!

{Celebrating NYE with sparkling grape juice! Happy New Year from the Ernst family!}

What I'm looking forward to: So many things! Regaining energy, getting back to exercising (I'm going to force myself to do this!), decorating the nursery, and gender reveal appointment (when it's time!)!

Gender prediction: Hmmmmm... Not really sure at all, at this point! Sometimes I refer to Baby E as him or he, but not sure why??!

Milestones: (Based on a pregnancy app) Baby can now put a thumb in its mouth and will soon start sucking it. Little one will also begin strengthening cheek muscles by rooting and sucking, which prepares baby for breast-feeding. The nose and lips are complete this week. The voice box now begins to develop. Also, the reproductive genitalia are emerging.

Weekly wisdom: Having a helpful, understanding, comforting, and loving husband makes pregnant life so much easier!

Keep growing, Baby E!! We are already in love with our sweet firecracker!! 
P.S. Doctor's will be monitoring my blood at every appointment (due to antibody m). Just praying and being positive - it's in God's hands, and we are trusting in Him! *Proverbs 3:5*

 {5 Weeks!}

 {6 Weeks!}

 {7 Weeks!}

 {9 Weeks!}

 {10 Weeks!}

 {11 Weeks!}

{12 Weeks!}