20 Weeks!!! Half Way There!!

Today is the official half way mark in my pregnancy. I can't believe it has gone by this fast. It seems like just yesterday was the 20th of July and I was taking an at home test. I thought I would do a pregnancy survey to feel you in on the in's and out's so far.

Your name? Meshelle Nichole Woods

Fathers name? Kenneth Riley Puckett

Are you still with him? Together since December 9th 2005, married since July 27th, 2007

Were you trying to get pregnant? We weren't NOT trying lol. Since we were married we had the attitude if it happens it happens and we weren't going to try to prevent it.

When you found out

When did you find out? July 20th, 2009 in the morning

Were did you find out? Our new apartment in Virginia Beach, VA

How far along were you? 4 weeks exactly (gestational age about 2 weeks)

What was your reaction? Shocked because Ken had only been home from bootcamp and training for 4 1/2 weeks, surprised that it happened so fast compared to the 2 years prior that it didn't happen, excited it was finally happening, nervous because we weren't living by our family anymore and would be doing this by ourselves.

Who was the first person you told? After Ken I called my sister Amanda told her the test was positive and then texted my other sister Tara who is due in December and told her I thought she was contagious lol. We waited until it was confirmed by the Dr to tell other family members.

How did you tell the father? I usually start my cycle in the middle of the night so when that didn't happen (sunday/monday night) I took a test I had left over from like 7 months ago when I had been late previously. After taking it I left it on the counter (it said negative at first) then went on the computer to look up the directions since I had thrown them away a while ago. Went back to throw the test away and it was positive. So I texted Ken and it went like this.
M: Babe I'm not feeling very well can you pick me up some soup, crackers, and sprite, oh yeah and a pregnancy test.
K: Yeah what kind of soup? Dont you have a test?
M: I took it already
K: What did it say
M: It was positive
K: O.k I'll get you another one
So he came home and I took two more came out of the bathroom crying, hugged him and said they're positive. ( I had always imagined a more cute and adorable way to tell him when we finally got pregnant but I think I was in shock lol)

What was his reaction? "Are you serious? We did it" There's a little one in there"? Touched my belly and hugged me. Then when I went to the Dr. the next day to confirm it, I picked him up for lunch and said.... well its officialy daddy. And he just smiled and started laughing and kissed and hugged me.

All about your pregnancy

When is your due date? March 29th, 2010

Did you have any morning sickness? I did have some in the beginning I didn't throw up very much at all maybe 4 times but I gagged a lot and didn't want to eat very much.

What are your fears? I had a lot of fears in the beginning. Almost everyone in my family has had drama one way or another with pregnancys. My sister Tara miscarried 3 times before her current pregnancy which she is one month away from completing. My sister Amanda was told she had less than a 25% chance of conceiving and if she did she would not carry full term ( my miracle nephew Adam will be 3 in February.) My sister Kindra conceived but my nephew Carson passed away from SIDS when he was 2 months old. My maternal grandmother had a stillborn (my Aunt Michelle who I'm part way named after). Just so many things and so many fears but I take every day as a miracle and I'm so thankful I have had an easy pregnancy so far. ( Maybe my hard part was the two years it took for it to happen.)

What are you most happy about? That it's finally happening and things have gone as smoothly as they have. I'm thankful my husband is here, we have insurance for our little one and the finances to support it.

Did you want a boy or girl? I thought I would have a preference but I really didn't

What did the father want boy or girl? Ken wanted a girl, but he is so excited about his little man.

Do you know what you're having? We are having a BOY!!

Do you have a name picked out? Kevin (after my dad) Riley (Ken's middle name)

How much weight have you gained? My last Dr. Apt I had gained 2 lbs but my first apt I had lost 2 lbs. So total weight gain has been 0... I've been eating more lately so we'll see how much I've gained at my next apt on the 24th.

Have you felt the baby move? He moves ALOT... He does summersaults and jumping jacks lol

When you have the baby

Do you plan on a natural or medicated birth? I'm going to wing it. I'd like to see what I'm dealing with and if I can handle it if not I will be asking for an epidural.

Are you scared about labor? Not really I'm excited for my little guy to be here.

What do you think will be the worst part of labor? If I have to get an episiotomy I think that will be the worst part. But I'd rather get one than risk tearing.

Have you taken any classes? Not yet but we will as it gets closer

Who will be in the delivery room? My husband, possibly sister and my 2nd mom Alese

Are you having the birth videotaped? If I could I would like to but the military hospital we will be delivering doesn't allow it. If I was going to I wouldn't allow any below the belt shots.

Do you think you will cry when you see the baby for the first time? Definitely

What do you think the fathers reaction to the baby will be? I think he will cry and be very excited

How do you think family and friends will feel? My dad is very excited to meet his namesake, I can't think of one person who isn't excited for us.

It's a BOY!!!

We had an ultrasound on tuesday the 27th!!! And everything looks good. He is developing right on schedule. Yes, we found out it is a boy. Once you look at the pictures you'll see it's a little undeniable. Ken is very excited to be having a little guy. At first he wanted a girl but he is definitely excited about being able to add another Philadelphia Eagles fan to the family lol. I was to the point where I just wanted to know what it was. I saw so many positives in either sex it was hard to have a preference which I thought I would. I thought people that say they don't really have one were full of crap but I can completely relate now. I am definitely excited as well to be having a little boy!!

This is a bottoms up view of our little man, the arrow is pointing to the goods.

This is a frontal picture of our little guy. I think he looks somewhat like a puppy.

This is a side view of our little guy. The ultrasound tech wasn't very nice or patient I kind of wish the side view was a little better, like the first ultrasound pics we have.

So after we found out what it was we went shopping and bought him some clothes. He has 7 bodysuits, 4 pairs of pants, 2 jackets and some socks!! It was so fun to be able to go shopping and know what clothes you can actually buy now!! Definitely won't be the only shopping trip we take.

16th Week

16TH WEEK

Friday I had another OB apt. I was 16 weeks and 5 days. Everything looks good, we were able to listen to the heartbeat which was amazing. Weight gain was 2 pounds since the last apt which means total pregnancy weight gain is 0. The first OB apt I had I had lost two pounds. My nausea is getting so much better. There are some days when I feel amazing, I have energy and I feel like I'm on top of the world other days I just want to lay in bed, not eat anything and curl up and go to sleep. Of course I have to eat and go to work so my day doesn't get better. But these days are happening less and less. We scheduled our big ultrasound where we find out the baby's sex for the 27th of October. I was really excited because I thought I would have to wait until November so when the receptionist said the 27th I was thinking she meant November lol. The pictures are of me in the beginning of my 16th week. My belly is rounding out more which I love!!



PETTING ZOO / PUMPKIN PATCH

Ken and I went to a pumpking patch this weekend ironically we didn't pick out any pumpkins because the ones they had were huge!! And I like smaller pumpkins. But we did have an amazing time. The farm we went to is called Hunt Club Farms in Virginia Beach. It seemed like we were able to enjoy so many things at once. The farm had of course pumpkins, a huge petting zoo, a hay ride, a carnival complete with rides, and a haunted corn maze. The Naval Air Base was about 5-7 miles away from the farm and there was an air show this weekend so we would occasionally look up and see the blue angels and other planes doing all sorts of manuevers. It was such an awesome day. The petting zoo was so cute. They had one of my now favorite animals... Pygmy goats. They were so adorable. Here is Ken with one of the Pygmy Goats...They are so cute

The farm gives you food to feed them in an ice cream cone. They all went crazy for it.

Here I am with the pygmy goat. Aren't they so cute??

This little guy looked and felt just like a Teddy Bear. So cute!!

This one gives a whole new meaning to having a Goat-tee.

Baby Items!!!

Here are some of the few baby items I have so far. Most of these I was given while I was in Idaho in August just wanted to post them (I needed something to do to refrain from online baby shopping lol) these were given by my mom and my grandma Nana, my maternal grandmother.


This is a super cute neutral new born baby outfit, black and white with dogs and elephants. Grandma Nana got this for me.


A close up of the dogs and elephants.



One of my best friends whom I have known since 1st grade, gave me this as my bridesmaid gift. I can't wait to put baby's first bath time picture in this frame and put it in the bathroom.



Nana also gave me these two blankets, she bought both pink and blue since we don't know the sex yet.


All of the items I took pictures of are on my favorite thing so far, the quilt. I was a little conflicted about Winnie the Pooh because its such a cliche and I wanted something more unique but this quilt my mom got me I think has changed my mind. Plus my dad had classic Winnie the Pooh when he was born and if it's a boy we are naming the baby after him so it would fit. Even if it's a girl I will still stay with the Winnie the Pooh... I think... I am just so in love with this quilt.


This is the middle of the quilt, it's classic Winnie the Pooh with Eeyore and Piglet, Pooh is catching butterflies.

"Every days a pooh day"


The butterflies are spread through out the quilt, there is a total of 10 I think. They are so adorable, the wings are made of layered fabric so it gives them this 3D look.


This is the side of the quilt, I like how it's not just your average quilt. It has the 3D looking butterflies and the jagged edges that go all the way around. It's just so dang cute the pictures do not do it justice . It's pretty big though. I would say maybe meant for a full size bed so I obviously wouldn't use it for the crib. Ken and I have decided it would look really cute to hang on a wall in the room, maybe behind the crib or whatever wall is the most blank.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For my part of breast cancer awareness I wanted to blog a little bit about my connection with breast cancer, the impact it's had on our lives. I also wanted to write about ways you can raise awareness, donate and how important early detection is. I often wonder if Ken's mom had only detected it months or weeks sooner how much of a difference it would have made.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with our history together (Ken and I) you may not know his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2006. Unfortunately she passed away in February 2007. Three months shy of watching her twin boys (Eric and Ken) graduate high school and 5 months shy of watching Ken and I walk down the aisle and become husband and wife. I think about her all the time but especially in October when it's breast cancer awareness month. And especially now that Ken and I are expecting it's just one more milestone that she is not able to physically be here for.

Ways you can donate : The month of October is amazing when it comes to products that are on store shelves that make is very easy to indirectly donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Dove Chocolate, Yoplait Yogurt, General Mills, Fuze Beverage, Pepperidge Farm, Republic of Tea and Napa Valley Naturals. These are just some food companies that have promotions going on through the month of October and some other months. My husband and I have a rule if we are planning on buying some groceries we always check to see if there is special packaging that will donate to breast cancer. Walgreens has a lot of novelty products they come out with in October including adorable beanie babies you can purchase that all donate a percentage to breast cancer. Avon also has some great products for breast cancer awareness. My Avon reps contact in the Vancouver, WA area is youravon.com/acolton. Of course you can always donate directly. http://ww5.komen.org/donate/donateonline.html for Susan G. Komen for the cure. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/DON/DON_0.asp is the donate link for the American Cancer Society.

If you can not donate, RAISE AWARENESS!!! Join a walk or local charity. Wear a pin or ribbon. The cheapest easiest thing you can do is simple. Take a pink ribbon and a safety pin and wear it. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!! If you have facebook or myspace post an update that's sweet and simple, "I support breast cancer awareness" So many small things can make a huge difference. Talk to the women in your life if they are over 40 or sooner if they have a history of breast cancer in their families, about getting mammograms. And for us girls too young to have mammograms, monthly breast checks are a must!! Ladies listen if you love yourself and love your girls (not your friends but those two girls sitting on your chest) please do monthly self exams and if you come across any thing unfamiliar at anytime let your physician know asap. And when you go in for your yearly physical insist they do a breast check.

Things going on in your area.

This should be fun its called "For the love of boobs fashion show. There will be Organic catering, beer and wine, live music, and a silent auction. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Friday, October 9th, 7-10 pm, Miller Hall at the World Forestry Center at the Portland, Or Zoo.

More events can be found at the Susan G. Komen website and The American Cancer Society's website.


Idaho

Idaho Falls, ID

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Wacoal Fit for the Cure™ Dillards Grand Teton Mall

Event Website: www.fitforthecure.com

Oregon Portland, OR Wednesday, October 14 & 15, 2009 Wacoal Fit for the Cure™ Macy's Clackamas Event Website: www.fitforthecure.com Affiliate Website: www.komenoregon.org Phone: (503) 552-9160 Email: komen@komenoregon.org

Sad News

Yesterday I found out my sister Kindra who was about 2 weeks behind me in her pregnancy progress lost her baby on the 24th. This isn't the first time she has been through tragedy this year. She had a son named Carson Lee born on March 24th. He passed away from SIDS on May 30th. She is not married to the babies dad and although I don't believe that constitutes what makes a good mom, it does help to have that supportive partner in not only the baby's life but to be there to support the mom as well. When we found out she was pregnant again, everyone in my family had mixed feelings. We were worried if she was ready emotionally and psychologically so soon after loosing Carson. We also worried if the person who was the dad would be there for her, he does not have a good track record. I believe that things do have an explanation and although we may not know what they are we need to believe and have faith that God makes these decisions for a good cause. I know that Carson will never have to feel pain, sorrow or grief. I know that the baby she lost will never have to go through these things either. I also know they are in a better place and being taken care of by the best people. I also believe that God will bless her with another baby as soon as he believes she is ready emotionally and at a place in her life where she can take really good care of a baby.

The pictures I included are of Carson Lee. One by himself (about 5 weeks) One with me taken at Easter, and one with my sister Kindra and Carson.

For information on SIDS prevention click on the link http://www.sidsprevention.com/ and also http://www.cjsids.org/

First Ultra Sound

We had our first Ultra sound 9-11-09. It was such an amazing day, I was a little worried at first because I had been in Idaho for 2 weeks ( 3 days spent driving back from Idaho to Virginia with my dad) I was mostly worried about the stress I had put my body under the past 2 weeks with the plane ride, the drives. But as soon as the baby came on the screen I could see the heartbeat and I immediately started crying. This was the first time since I found out I was pregnant that we had been able to see the baby so it was such a surreal feeling knowing and seeing that there really is something in there. Ken was able to take the day off which was so nice. Being able to see the baby and look over and see his face and know that he helped me create this miracle growing in my body was amazing. So onto the baby, everything looks good. My due date is the same March 29th. Which I didn't really think it would change because I knew exactly when the first day of my last period was. (The Monday after Ken came home, we don't waste time lol) The baby's growth is right on schedule, the heartbeat was really good. I haven't had any weight gain, which is good I don't have a lot of leeway in that department ( if you're overweight you are supposed to gain less than say an average weight person) I have actually lost 2 lbs since my last Dr apt, but the Dr said it's pretty common in the first trimester, with the nausea and food aversions and everything.
It was confirmed that I am RH negative which is scary, Kens blood type is AB+ so if the baby has his blood type and our blood mixes at any time my body can attack the baby thinking its a virus. Or the baby's blood could attack mine. I'll be given a shot at 28 weeks to insure my pregnancy keeps progressing well. So if you have a minute just say a quick prayer for my baby and me, and that everything goes well. You can read more information about being RH negative and pregnant here http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/rhfactor.html

Our next appointment is November 14th and we get to HEAR the baby's heartbeat for the first time!

This was a picture I took yesterday (9-18-09) I'm 12 weeks and 3 days!! I don't think my belly has really changed, I had a belly before I got pregnant but now I have an excuse lol!!!