Week 16

Well, this past weekend, we took a trip down to Boise. It was great getting to see my family and catch up on good times. I also got to do a bit of shopping! YAY! I got some new clothes that will fit great throughout the whole pregnancy. It was fun, in the dressing room at Motherhood they have a little pillow that you can strap around your waist to see what you will look like at 9 months. I say if I don't eat too much junk food, I just might be cute at 9 months! Uncomfortable, I'm sure, but cute! It's been great having new clothes because I don't dread getting dressed in the morning. It was difficult trying to squeeze into something tight that made my stomach itchy. When I put my new clothes in my closet, I finally brought out an old suitcase and packed it full of the small clothes. The goal is to fit into those when the baby comes... right....

On the bright side, I think Ben has realized that I am pregnant. Whether he has made that connection with being a father, I can't be sure. He saw a pregnant woman at church who was a month further than I was. She had a more prominent stomach, and Ben told me that reality would hit when I reached that point. Since then, he can't stop touching my stomach, and I think that he's getting used to the idea. It has been an adjustment even for me. Right now I'm at the point where I don't feel sick, but I don't feel the baby yet. It's an awkward inbetween. Now I'm just waiting to grow. I am happy to say that I feel great. I've even had the confidence to tell a few more friends that I am pregnant. My friend Savannah had already guessed, but she didn't want to ask. (She knows the drill....)

The baby is about the size of an avacado! 4 1/2 in. 3 1/2 oz.

Well, lets talk about my baby! (Or my delicious piece of fruit, as I love to compare the baby to!)
We are working on an avacado this week. (Is that a fruit or a vegetable?) I need to take a stomach picture and post it so everyone can see the progress of my belly. I've got just a bump, but its enough to make me proud.

I haven't decided on the doctor yet. (Thanks for the recommendations Janene.) I need to make an appointment ASAP. I am so excited for the next ultrasound, as I am sure everyone else is. I'll be sure to post it. My next doctor's appointment needs to be within the next couple weeks.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter... Mmm...

Side Note: While shopping at Motherhood, I decided to purchase a nice lotion for my belly. I picked up Mamma Bee Belly Butter made by Burt's Bees. I love the smell. I have never been a true fan of cocoa butter, but this one smells really good.

Week 15

Well, this week, things are going well. The realization of the pregnancy has not quite set in yet, but we are constantly talking about the baby. Especially after moving into our new place. "We'll put the baby's clothes in here, and the baby's things will go in the second bedroom, etc. etc." I am still on a quest for a doctor in Rexburg. My next door neighbor works as a nurse at the Madison Hospital here in Rexburg, and she says that most girls are starting to use midwives. I'm going to have to sit down and think about that one for a while. I'm thinking OB-GYN, but there aren't very many options in Rexburg.

The baby will grow to the size of an apple this week.

How I have been feeling:
I have been feeling great--no upset stomach all the time. I feel like I have more energy which will be great because for the rest of Week 15, I will be going to school! Tomorrow is the first day of classes. (April 20) I'm feeling confident that I will be able to handle school, now that I feel the worst is over. (We'll see if I remain as optimistic.)

Baby Clothes!

Tonight we received our very first piece of baby clothing! I'll gladly accept different shirts from around the country!

Yes, Grandpa Jim, Grandma Kristy, Uncle Nathan, and Uncle Adam.

Week 14

Little Baby Perkins

Today was my 13 weeks, and 3 days appointment. Everything is going well. The baby is doing just fine. We heard the heartbeat again. This time is was 154 bpm, which made me relax a little. I can see how my body is starting to change on the inside, and I'm getting excited for the baby to grow! My doctor's appointment was fairly quick. I was hoping to see more of the baby in the ultrasound. You know, look for fingers and toes. I still have time before we get the "thumbs up" ultrasound. I'm just getting excited. This appointment relieved a lot of my stress and nervousness. That is why Ben is calling all of you! I have agreed to announce the pregnancy because everything is going so well. Its not over yet, but so far so good!

The baby is about the size of a lemon this week.

This week we have been packing all of our stuff to move back to Idaho, and I'm trying to be as careful as I can! Our next doctor's appointment will be in 3 or 4 weeks. I have to find a good doctor in Rexburg. I'll be making this choice carefully because they will be the person who delivers the baby! So stay tuned!

Take a look inside! This is baby at 14 weeks.

Surprise!

Ben and I are expecting a new addition to our family! We decided to keep it a surprise until the first trimester is over. We have had two ultrasounds so far. The first ultrasound was at 4 weeks, and the baby was too small to see. Our second ultrasound was on March 18, 2009. The doctor measured the baby to be 9 weeks, and 4 days, thus giving us the due date of October 17, 2009. Congratulations to mom! It's your birthday! The baby is doing very well. We heard the heartbeat. 180 bpm, which is a bit high, but still on the safe side.

How Alicia Has Been Feeling:
I have been feeling fine thus far. The nausea hasn't been too overwhelming. The only time I have thrown up was when I was gagging on a mouthful of toothpaste. (It defeated the purpose of brushing!) The only food "craving" I've had is potatoes, and when has that not been the case for me?! The other food I've enjoyed is green grapes! Eating candy makes me sick, and they have been a healthy substitute!

I will keep everyone posted on my progress. I'll try and post all of my ultrasounds, and the "belly" pictures. I don't have a huge one just yet. Just an itty bitty bump. I've been really excited that the pregnancy has been going so well. Of course I am nervous about how the baby is doing, but it really is too soon for me to tell. Our next doctor's appointment is on April 14, 2009--the day we will be making the big announcement. (Only the parents have known!)

How Ben is Feeling:
Ben is really excited for the new coming baby. Occasionally he will even have sympathy morning sickness. Lol. He has been very supportive of my constant need to eat, and takes good care of me! I don't think the reality of the pregnancy has really set in for him. I'll let you know when that happens. : )