13 Weeks

Today marks 13 weeks.  27 more to go!

It's a big deal for me, every time another week goes by.  It means I'm that much closer to December.  It also means that another week went by where Sprog and I were both happy and healthy.  Mini Victories FTW!

It's kind of hard to believe that it's been 7 weeks since we've found out that we had a Sprog on the way.  It's been a CRAZY time for both of us.  There have been lots of tears, lots of anxiety, lots of laughing and smiling and happiness, and an extra helping of love.

My husband has been amazing...holding my hair when I was sick.  Fixing my lunches in the morning when wandering into the kitchen was a sure fire way to hurk up a belly full o' bile.  Cuddling me and massaging my back and just generally being incredibly sweet and loving.  Oh, don't get me wrong...he's had his moments.  But for the most part, he has been amazing.  Just another reminder that he's going to be a wonderful father.  I feel bad that I haven't done more...the exhaustion and the nausea has been rough.

Colin has been pretty busy.  Eating much better and exercising like mad.  He's very determined to get that weight off as quickly as possible, and I think he'll do it!  He's doing really well, and I'm very proud of him.

I read a blog today that made me lose it.  I'm on a Pastors Wife message board, and one of the ladies asked for prayers for some friends of hers who were pregnant with triplets.  At 21 weeks, one of the babies sacs ruptured.  She was rushed to the hospital and they did everything they could, but the babies were all born within a few days and they all passed away.  It was just heartbreaking to read their blog and read their story about their tiny boys.  I know I shouldn't torture myself like that, but sometimes I can't help it.  Plus, crying weeping uncontrollably is cathartic.  Right?

So anyway!  13 weeks!  Almost done with this first trimester.  Here is what I'm going through right now...

You're now almost in your second trimester and, for most women, this means the high-risk period is coming to an end. If you have not already begun sharing the good news, 13 weeks pregnant may be the perfect time.

Hooray! Your morning sickness should be starting to subside, and miscarriage is less of a risk. Your second trimester will bring both relief and reality. ... Yes, you're really having a baby! Now that the high-risk period is over, you probably have somepregnancy announcements to make. That is, if you've been able to keep the big news a secret.  And if there's a big brother or sister in the house, now is the time to let siblings know that a baby is on the way.  

You should be seeing your doctor again:  Make sure to track your progress in your pregnancy journal.

Pregnancy Week 13: All About You

Time to celebrate! You've almost survived your first trimester. Some of your aches and pains may finally be disappearing. You may notice that in place of nausea you're feeling hungry—notorious pregnancy cravings often begin now. As your uterus continues to expand, chances are you're having some troubles with heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence, as well.

A Reason to Celebrate
Many women find the upcoming second trimester of their pregnancies the most enjoyable, as nuisances such as nausea give way to attractive baby bumps and enviable pregnancy glow.

Here are a few reasons why you're feeling so good:

• Disappearing nausea: Although it's not uncommon for morning sickness to linger into the second trimester, your sick days are probably coming to an end. The reason why? Your body has become accustomed to the increased hormones propelling you into baby-mode.
  
• Increased appetite: Now that your nausea is on the way out, it's time to enjoy food again. You may notice that your appetite grows along with your baby-to-be. Bring on the ice cream and pickles!
  
• Growing baby bump: Your body's changing inside and out to accommodate your developing baby. Your internal organs shift positions to make room for an expanding uterus, and your skin stretches to allow your bump to grow outward. You're finally not just feeling pregnant—you're looking pregnant, too!
  "Showing" is probably a relief. People are more likely to hold the door open for you, pass on a sympathetic smile, and even let you cut in line at the grocery store.
  
• Lessening breast tenderness: Your breasts went through a big growth spurt during your first trimester that may have left them sore and uncomfortable. They most likely will not increase in size during the second trimester (but they may fill out more); you may notice some "starter" milk or colostrum leaking out of your nipples later in the second trimester as your body readies for baby.
  While some pregnancy symptoms fade with time, others don't. You'll still need to take plenty of trips to the bathroom as your growing baby-to-be puts pressure on your bladder. You're also going to continue to feel tired—unfortunately that's a constant during pregnancy—but your baby bump is still small enough that you should be able to rest comfortably. So give yourself a break and relax!

Pregnancy Week 13: All About Baby

Week 13 marks a milestone for your baby-to-be. Developmentally speaking she's no longer an embryo, but a fetus. She's looking—and acting—more and more like a baby every day. She appears to be resting because her eyelids have formed and are fused together, but her arms and legs move and twitch (although you probably can't feel it … yet). She can suck her thumb, too.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby is about the size of a egg! She's growing heavier at around .5 to .8 ounces and is getting longer at about 3 inches long (crown to rump).