Overnight Bump

I did it. I survived the first trimester! I don't feel quite back to my old self (and I don't imagine I will for quite a few more months, if ever!), but the first trimester blahs are settling down to make room for fun, new second trimester symptoms.

Things I've experienced so far this trimester include: Random gagging, bleeding gums, nasal congestion, shortness of breath and charley horses in the wee morning hours. Yup, according to all the books I'm right where I'm supposed to be :-)

On a positive note, I'm pretty sure I felt the baby flutter for the first time on Memorial Day! Jonathan and I had been cleaning out the room that will be the nursery, and when I sat down to rest I felt that strange butterfly-like feeling moms often describe. I felt it a few more times throughout the remainder of the day - and once more as I was climbing in bed to go to sleep. What a wonderful experience!

Now, I look forward to finding out whether Nugget is a boy or girl. I'm excited that people are starting to notice my growing bump, too (and that I'll soon be able to fill out my hip new maternity clothes)!

This trimester brings with it a long to-do list. I feel like, while I have energy, I should get started on the nursery. And, since I'm experiencing a major nesting phase, I think I'll go with it and see what I can get accomplished. I have also started thinking about all the things I'll need to register for. Please feel free to pass along your tips and warnings to these inexperienced, unknowledgeable, first-time parents. :-)

At this point, I'm finally starting to feel some of that pregnancy excitement! Yipee for me!!

I'll leave you with some comparison belly shots:

(7 weeks. Washboards & regular jeans)

(15 weeks. Maternity skirt & an overnight bump!)

Seaside Round-up

We just got back from Seaside — a.k.a. the most relaxing place on earth. This trip will likely have to serve as our babymoon unless we can squeak in another mini vacay somewhere!

We return to this beach annually because it holds a special place in our hearts. Seaside has truly seen the evolution of Jonathan and Liz. The first time we were there Jonathan was my friend with the hint of something more, the second time we were newlyweds and this time we're pregnant! I hope we get to return next May so we can introduce 5-month-old Nugget to our favorite sunny spot!

Here's a recap of last year's trip to Seaside: Vacation, More Seaside and Another Day in Paradise.

I took scant few pictures on this trip. Lucky for you, my father-in-law, Rick, was on top of the photo duties this year. I was busy being nauseous, celebrating my 29th birthday and having a happy Mother's Day :-)

 Here are some pictures from the music and arts festival that was going on:

(Artist Justin Gaffrey at work! Brilliant!)

Please notice that his paintings aren't just chunky—they're practically 3D!

Needless to say it was another fun year!! Can't wait to go back!

Support!

I feel SO much better. No, I'm not over the constant nausea. No, I don't suddenly feel maternal or even like I've escaped life inside an alien body...

But (and it's a BIG but...), I've found myself a little support group of women who had rough first trimesters—who have also, at one point, questioned their abilities as expectant mothers—who even <gulp> didn't enjoy pregnancy!

In our society, I'm made to feel horrible if I don't talk about pregnancy while beaming excitement. How exactly am I to do that when walking from one room to the next is a strain on this body??

I'm not alone in that this baby would only eat pickles if not for my husband's constant intervention. I'm also not the only one who can't take a shower without the world spinning around me.

In connecting with these other women who endured hardships and went on to feel great, love their babies and be wonderful mothers, I'm able to appreciate where I'm at (and this Nugget) just a little bit more. And that's something I'll take at this moment.

My birthday is May 12. All I ask for this year are prayers! :-)