15 weeks and a few of my favorite things

I am 15 weeks three days pregnant today! Yahoo! Tonight I am having my Poker group over and I should be cleaning and baking, but I can't get motivated. I don't think my friends will judge me if my house isn't clean...at least I hope they won't! Here are a few of my favorites in no particular order!


Some of my Favorite Things

1. Lawrence, Kansas in the Fall, on Campus, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt

2. Spending time with my family

3. Pizza

4. Going on long boat rides, packing a lunch, and hanging out in the sun for the day!

5. A clean house

6. Bikram Yoga...which I miss terribly

7. Thanksgiving...I should say I love Thanksgiving, because I love all the excitement following Thanksgiving. You know the shopping, decorating, baking, etc, to get ready for Christmas!

8. Kansas Basketball

9. Going out to eat

10. Going to the Zoo

11. Birkenstocks...is there any other shoe? I know, not a fashion statement, but I love them!

12. Being pregnant!

14 Weeks!

I cannot believe I am 14 weeks 4 days pregnant! This has been the most wonderful summer of my life. On some days I feel like the pregnancy is blowing by, but then on some days I'm like 25 more weeks... hurry up...I want to meet this baby of mine! Each day I have a new thought, feeling, etc. I think about the baby constantly. I feel like my mind is mush. I ran into a curb the other day with my car (I didn't tell Greg) I was thinking about this baby of mine, and turned a little too tight. I ramble on and on about stuff and then stop myself and think, "what did I just say". I dream about the baby. Baby thoughts are constant. When I go for my walks, I think of the baby the whole time. I catch myself crying on the path. I quickly try to get a grip, and hope no one notices my tears. If they do I will just say "I'm pregnant and oh, so happy!"

I don't know if any of you realize this, but I had pretty much convinced myself parenthood wasn't in the cards for me. We had met the requirements for China, got in line, and waited. The wait for China was not what we had signed up for. I'm 99% sure had we known it would take this long we would have picked another country or Domestic adoption. Despite going to the OB and him telling me "I think we can get you pregnant", I just didn't believe it. I was afraid to believe it. What if I believed him and then this didn't happen either. In April, when Heather had Addy, I watched her delivery. Maybe, it wasn't the smartest thing I've done, because quite honestly, the whole thing broke my heart. I wanted a baby. I was mad at the world. I couldn't believe how unfair life was.

In May, I called Greg home from work. I have never done this. His job is much too busy and making calls to come home, is just not something I do. But I just KNEW this was the day I was going to get pregnant. Greg thought I was crazy, but being the man he is, he kindly obliged. That is the week I got pregnant! God led me to call Greg and I am so happy He did. What a miracle. People used to always tell me "God's timing is always perfect". When they said it, it irritated me. I thought "easy for you to say...you have a child". But I will tell you this...I believe this statement wholeheartedly now, God's timing is always perfect. And I wouldn't want this joy, excitment, love of my life, any other time or any other way. I was meant to carry this baby and have this overwhelming joy that sometimes takes my breath away.


Until next week,

Alicia

13 Weeks!

This week has been full and busy! My sister, and my nieces, were here for a week! We had a fun time and I miss them already! The house is much too quiet with them gone. Lilly, who is two, wanted to stay with Auntie and I wanted to say, "sure you can stay another week". I knew though that her Uncle Gregie was tired and ready for some peace!

We did lots of shopping for my nieces and lots of dreaming for my baby! I wanted to buy so much, but since I don't know the sex of the baby I just couldn't buy any outfits. I did finally purchase this diaper bag that I have wanted forever! I saw it at Pottery Barn Kids about two years ago. I said, "when I get my baby I want that bag"! To my surprise, PBK still had the bag and better yet it was on sale!

I know there will be many more bags for me...as I love handbags, but it was fun to purchase my first baby bag!

Heather was so much fun to have around. She shared so much with me. She is quite the pro at having babies! She had lots of advice, tips, and just reassured me about all my worries. Thanks Heather!

Overall things are going great! I feel so much better now. I don't have the nausea anymore. My doctor had told me to stop drinking so much water (I have always been a huge water drinker) and to switch to Gatorade. I started drinking that G2, by Gatorade, and it has helped me immensely. Also, I love ice cream, but ice cream doesn't agree with me right now. On the occasions that I have actually vomited it has been after ice cream. So, no more ice cream for me. Greg said, "the baby must be lactose intolerant". I don't think there is any truth to that one, but who knows.

I'm not sure I have told you all how awesome Greg has been! I knew Greg was amazing before getting pregnant, but gee whiz, he has been so wonderful to me. He just goes with the flow. If at the last minute I don't want to cook supper and say "can we just have grilled cheese?" he says, "sure". If a commercial makes me cry he gives me a hug and laughs at the fact. If I have worries, he reassures me that all will be fine and perfect. He tells me I am the most beautiful Mama he has ever seen. Who would have thought at 18 years old I knew this was my Prince. I love you Greg!

Ok, better go, I'm crying huge tears and I need to watch the Olympic Basketball game!

Alicia

12 Weeks!

I decided to change the blog a little. What do you think? The colors of the University of Kansas are Crimson and Blue. I wanted to spruce things up a bit and what better color choices! I actually, wanted to pay to have our blog done professionally, but Greg thought that was ridiculous, so you all are just stuck with what I can do for free on Blogger.

We saw my OB on Monday. We most importantly got to see the baby. The baby was wiggling all over and raised its arm as to say, "hi mom and dad". I only cried for a moment this time...usually I cry through the whole thing. I wanted to really see the baby and you can't see if you are crying big tears! Our OB said "The baby looks perfect"! Just what we want to hear at every visit! We asked a few questions...I am quite certain our OB gets tired of all our questions, but we are first time parents, we are older, and we are SUPER excited!

I was very bummed though that we won't have another Ultrasound until week 20, when we go to downtown Houston to have a very "thorough" ultrasound. To me, being high risk, and having frequent ultrasounds was one of the perks to being classified as high risk. I guess, it is a good sign though, to not need them all the time. It sure was great seeing the little baby so often.

Our doctor said "you know this is a miracle baby don't you? Chronic hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polycystic Ovaries, and absolutely no fertility drugs. I said..."oh yes, we say every night that we have a miracle baby growing in me!!"


Until next week,

Alicia

11 Weeks!

My friend said to me last night "you haven't updated this week". I am really not good at posting this often. Plus there really isn't much to say. I will tell you this, in the past I have not been the most sympathetic person when it comes to "morning sickness". I'm always like "yeah..whatever...you get to be pregnant, stop your complaining". So it has been very difficult for me to admit that Morning Sickness is very real. That it can get the best of you. Now, I will never complain about not feeling the best, but I definitely don't feel like the old Alicia. I have tried to down play the nausea, but let's be honest....it has been ugly. I have vomited on a few occasions, but for the most part it is just this constant nausea. I thought I was through it, but this week, well my body wanted to remind me that I am very pregnant!!

I am also tired beyond description. I could sleep all day. I make myself get up at 6:00 a.m. to go and walk. Today I was thrilled that "Dolly" is creating some rain in Houston and I couldn't go outside to walk. Yay! But now I know I must clean my house, and well, I don't really want to do that either. I would prefer rest on the couch! Keep in mind I was out last night until 11:30 playing cards with my card group that meets once a month. Unfortunately, I did terrible. Oh well, it was nice visiting with the girls!

We get to see the baby on Monday! We can't wait!! Do you all remember when Tom Cruise bought Katie an ultrasound machine? I thought how incredibly strange. Let me tell you...if I had the money I would! I would love to hear the baby's heart beat every morning and see our baby growing strong and healthy.

I am 11 weeks 4 days pregnant. It is a wonderful feeling. Last night at cards three out of six girls were pregnant! How fun! Please keep Sarah, who is due Sept. 28 and Carrie, who is due in March, in your prayers also.

See you next week!

10 Weeks!!

I usually only post about once a month, but there is just so much excitement that I can't contain myself. I have made many friends through the blogging world and most of them post quite often. So, I'm going to start posting at least weekly. I hope I don't bore you to death!

Our house is the happiest house we have ever had. Greg and I walk around with a permanent smile on our face. Saturday after church we went to dinner with our friends Darin and Dionne and all their family. We had a nice time. While driving home Greg said "I'm just so happy". My heart danced to hear that. I have to agree, I too am just so happy!

I feel really good. I have had a little bit of nausea, but nothing major. I continue to walk and I must say today kicked my butt! I just felt exhausted. I wasn't half way done and I wanted to turn around. I kept trucking...knowing my exercise will keep me healthy and keep the blood flowing!

I started Lovenox (blood thinner) on Tuesday of last week for the Factor V. I give myself a shot every morning at 6:00 a.m. Through the years I have had to take shots for my RA. Many days I would skip my shot. It hurt, or I forgot, or some other lame excuse for missing my shot. Let me tell you this is one shot I do NOT forget. The Mama clock in me wakes up every day at 6:00 for this shot. It isn't a big deal to take the shot, it is however, a HUGE deal if I don't do it.

Greg is in Ft. Worth today and I didn't like him leaving. I have great neighbors though and I know if I need anything they will be here for me. Tomorrow I get to see all my Bunko/Texas Hold Em' friends for a day of swimming. I am looking forward to seeing them all. This summer has went rather quickly, but I am going to miss my time at the lake this year. My OB doesn't want me any further than three hours away. There is nothing better than being on the boat with the sun beating down on me...well, actually there is....being PREGNANT!

One last thing. The blogging world is amazing! I have come across some amazing blogs, blogs of courage, loss, adoption, faith, etc. I have also realized that there are so many woman out there struggling with one thing or another. I have met a lady by the name of Michelle. She was one of the first people to know I was pregnant. I posted on another blog that I was praying for a lady that I feared had Factor V. I mentioned that I was pregnant with Factor V. Michelle read my post and came by my blog and said, simply, she was praying for me. I went to Michelle's blog to find out who she was. I read and read. Then I came across Bring the Rain friends. And there it was...my name...Michelle has a list of people that she thinks needs prayer. I cried, oh boy did I cry. Michelle, I do not know you yet, but you made my day when I saw that you did that. It amazes me how many wonderful people there are in this world. People who think others are important. People who take the time to pray for so many others, despite what is going on in their own lives. Oh boy...here I go again...crying. Thank you Michelle. Now, I am asking all of you to read Michelle's blog and Bring the Rain and that you will pray for Michelle's daughter and Audrey's family.

Until next week....

Alicia

I never thought I would type this, but here goes....

We are PREGNANT!! Yes, it is true! After 14 years of just Greg and Alicia we are finally expecting a baby! We found out on June 27. I am nine weeks pregnant and we are ecstatic! We are thrilled, excited, happy, and maybe just a tad nervous!

Now you ask how did this happen? Well, I think we all know that one, but I will give you a little more info. Last September I went to the OB and said "I want a baby. Our China adoption is going nowhere and I am sick of waiting". I talked to my Rheumatologist who said he would support my decision, but that I would need to realize my pregnancy could be difficult with my RA. I said "I will be miserable for nine months to have my dream come true". I was told I had to get off three medications before we could begin trying. By November I was off one medicine, by Feb. the second one was gone, and on June 4 I took my last RA medication. We were to start Fertility drugs in June, but you guessed it....we didn't need them, we got pregnant on our own!!! My OB says it is because I lost weight and was so determined to make this work! Yeah!!! Talk about amazing!!

We have had two ultrasounds already and we are asking for prayers. I have a lovely thing called Factor V. It is rather scary, but I will fight with all my might and I know our baby will too. This baby is our "miracle" baby. I just can't tell you how happy we are. I have huge tears as I type this. They are tears of happiness that I never thought I would have.

Greg and I celebrate our Anniversary on July 9. We will be married 14 years! There is no Anniversary gift that could compare to this. My heart is overflowing with joy. I am just so happy. Thank you all for your love and support. Thank you especially to my sister, who has listened to this know it all for so many years. In case you don't know this....I know everything. But let me tell you this...I know nothing about being pregnant. Heather, has given me so much information about being pregnant, she has researched Factor V, she has been my best friend and I am so thankful God blessed me with her as my sister.

Ok...I will keep you all updated. We see the OB in three weeks for another ultrasound. I have a feeling we are going to be regulars for ultrasounds.

With much love,

Alicia