20 Weeks Pregnant & Weekend Recap 2/2-2/4

As promised, I am getting a post up today! We have reached the halfway point of pregnancy, 20 WEEKS! Crazy to think it is halfway over already, but I am so thrilled to be so much closer to meeting our son.

We had our 20 Week Appointment/Anatomy Scan yesterday. It was so awesome getting to see our baby for the 3rd time now. Thinking it’s probably our last ultrasound with the OB (as long as everything continues going good), but Jonathan and I do want to do the 3D/4D ultrasound once we get a bit further along. So we will most likely go to an imaging place to have that done at some point.

Baby weighed in at 12oz, heartbeat 157 and measuring SPOT ON for his June 27th due date. Made me so proud that he is right on track. We got to see him wiggling all around, his little boy parts, his precious little feet and all the other good stuff. Fingers, arm and leg bones, 4 chambers of his heart, kidneys, diaphragm, skull, umbilical cord, etc. He seemed to really enjoy keeping his little hands up by his face, but we did manage to get a somewhat decent profile shot of him this time. Seeing his precious nose had me tearing up. (Oh how I hope he gets Jonathan’s cute nose and not my big one! Lol!)

We learned that my placenta is anterior, which I’ve read is ideal. My Dr did weigh me as usual and I am right at 20lbs gained, just like I thought. Not great, but she still didn’t seem worried or concerned. Just said to remain mindful. Maybe cut out pastas, breads and some sweets. Which I need to do anyways…trying to keep in mind that I have the glucose test in the next 2 months. And I realllyyyy want to pass! I did bring up the hand numbness and she said it is completely normal. Some women carry more water weight and swell more than others (Hi there! That's me!) and that this causes the Carpal Tunnel symptoms. Blood Pressure was just a smidgen high, but they said it’s most likely due to me not feeling very good.
Since Monday, my allergies have been going absolutely crazy! Apparently tree pollen is high in my area right now due to this brief warm up we’ve had in VA. Usually I don’t start taking my daily allergy pill until March so I haven’t had that in me. (I’ve since started once a day Claritin.) But when I say I have bad allergies, I mean BAD! Slam clogged up, can’t breathe, sinus pressure, headaches, constant nose blowing… BAD. Benadryl doesn’t help at all, and since being pregnant has me limited on what I can actually use, I went ahead and ordered me a Navage Nasal Irrigation thingy to give a try… it should arrive on my doorstep today. It sure does look intimidating, but the reviews are awesome. Especially from fellow seasonal allergy sufferers. I am anxious and nervous to give it a try this evening in hopes of finding some relief!

Other happenings: Saturday 2/2 was the Champions Banquet for Richmond Dragway, it was our second year attending. Jonathan’s 3rd year coming in the top 10, even if he just barely squeezed in there this year with 10th place. Its such a nice event to be able to recognize the all the winners from the previous season and honor fellow racers for various awards. Plus getting to see all of our racing friends/family. Some we don’t see at all during the off season, so it’s a great chance to socialize and just catch up with the people we spend majority of our spring, summer and fall weekends with.
The Wilson Family is just a few of our closest friends at the track. They have pretty much adopted Jonathan into the family as a part of “Last Straw Racing.” They are really an awesome group of people that would do anything for you and just have been wonderful to get to know over the past couple years. Clark’s wife Katie and I have become such great friends and I feel so lucky to have her to talk to during both of our pregnancies. (Her little boy due in March.) They will definitely grow up together at the track and will one day, in the FAR future, be each other’s friendly competition in Jr. Dragsters.

Sunday we went to Applebee’s for lunch with my Dad, Stepmom and Grandma to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. He turned 55 on 2/4.

The rest of the day, Jonathan and I BOTH took a nap and then I got up to cook dinner and get ready to watch the Superbowl. Not a fan of either team really, but I always enjoy halftime and the commercials. Also, wanted to share that my Enso Rings came in and I absolutely LOVE them. I've been lost without my wedding rings and was so happy to put this comfy colorful stack in their place. I highly recommend them to anyone that is pregnant and experiencing swelling and weight gain like I am. Or if you just want to switch it up and not wear the fancy diamonds all the time.

19 Weeks Pregnant

Well I have not updated the blog in a while and felt that today would be a good day to do so. Today marks exactly 19 weeks pregnant.
Also, on this day last year, I found out that my first pregnancy (on round 2 of clomid) what not going to be successful. Also, known as a “chemical pregnancy,” I began to miscarry only a few short days after confirming with my OB that indeed I was pregnant, but HCG was too low and I was not going to have this baby.

I remember that heart wrenching grief like it was just yesterday, and at the same time it feels like it was a lifetime ago. That loss has molded me and shaped me into who I am today and has made me EVEN MORE grateful for this baby boy that I am currently feeling wiggling around in my tummy.


So here’s a little update on how things are going so far this pregnancy.

1. I have gained more weight that I think I should, but am doing much better at accepting the weight gain gracefully. Your girl likes sweets! I’ve been doing lots of reading online and MANY women do not stay in the 25lbs area that they say is “best”. At my last appointment at 15 weeks, I had gained 12lbs. Which my Dr. didn’t seem worried or concerned about. I brought it up and she said she likes to see about 10lbs total in first 20 weeks, which I am over, but every woman is different. She DID say she wouldn’t be surprised if I gained another 4lbs before my 20 week appointment…. Well, I’ve doubled that (according to my scale), with another 8lbs. So, total weight gain by my calculations so far is 20 lbs. Not happy about it, but not beating myself up either. We will see how bad I get fussed at by my doctor next week.

2. Due to my weight gain, my back and feet have been hurting more than usual. My right hip, where the most significant part of my scoliosis curve is, has been giving me a hard time. My chiropractor has gotten me to start stretching multiple times a day which is helping reduce the pain. I’m thinking I will finally go to the gym and try my first 10-15 minutes on the treadmill soon, just to see how I do. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t done any “working out” since even before getting pregnant. So if I can get in the gym twice a week just to walk, I think I will start feeling a bit better about that.

3. CARPEL TUNNEL SYNDROME … my only complaint I have about being pregnant. I never knew this could be a side effect of pregnancy until I entered the 2nd trimester and my hands started going numb while laying down/sleeping. The numbness was waking me up constantly and becoming a nuisance, so I ordered some night time wrist braces to wear. They have helped tremendously while sleeping. Unfortunately, the numbness/tingling has become more regular and happens during the day as well now. My wrists are weak and hurt off and on. It will just randomly act up, sometimes my whole hand, sometimes a couple fingers, and in the evenings before bed, it even travels upward and my forearms start to hurt.

4. Baby’s is moving around in there! I can feel him wiggling away. Even though right now it mainly just feels like little tapping to me. Which I can only guess is what some people describe as gas bubbles or butterflies. I think it just feels like someone tapping with one finger. Twice now, I have felt what I assume is baby turning/rolling to a different position. That is the weirdest feeling. No way to describe it other than he is briefly at an angle that pushes on the front of my uterus. It so weird, but I love it.

5. Last thing I've recently noticed, swelling. I had one day last weekend that I could tell I was swollen. My heels were hurting pretty badly, whether I was standing or not. My toes looked pretty puffy compared to normal. It felt really tight when I tried to make a fist, and my rings were not going to come off until swelling went down. I assume I am just starting to retain some water, which makes me nervous for what is to come since I am only about halfway through at this point. (Just tried to take off my wedding rings while typing this…not happening.) So I guess that means I will be holding my hand in some ice very soon to get them off, and will be ordering a larger size silicone ring to wear through the rest of my pregnancy and until I can get my rings back on and off comfortably. This makes me pretty sad, but hey, gotta do what I gotta do.

6. Names. Nothing set in stone. I have one name that my heart is set on, that Jonathan isn’t the biggest fan of. But the more people ask us if we have a name, the more he talks about it and shares what I like (with their happy approval), the more I think/hope it is starting to grow on him. He has yet to make any alternative suggestions, so I am keeping my list of back up names to myself until he volunteers some name ideas himself.

That’s about all that I can really think of to update on with my pregnancy so far. We have our 20 week appointment and anatomy scan next Thursday. I am looking so forward to seeing our little boy again for a bit longer of an ultrasound while confirming he is most definitely a boy. (At this point if the NIPT blood work was wrong I would be flabbergasted).

We have been in the process of remodeling at home. We started in the baby’s room. My old “junk room” no longer exists… all junk has been purged. Once it was empty, Jonathan started tearing down the hideous wood paneling, which was glued to the sheetrock… so he tore down the sheetrock and put insulation in the exterior walls since the house had NONE. Then the 70s style acoustic ceiling that was hung beneath the sheetrock ceiling also had to go. To our dismay, we uncovered some NASTY looking mold that was hidden all this time. (My head almost exploded lol!) Jonathan treated it and cleaned it, the mold was not currently active fortunately. And we discovered that condensation from the air handler in the attic is the culprit. Which, this is only happening when the A/C is running in the summer. Lucky for me, Jonathan is an HVAC guy, so this is something on the to-do list to get fixed before the springtime. But due to the mold, we now also have to do the same exact remodeling to our bedroom which is also beneath the air handler. We know that the mold is probably even worse in there. As horrible as it is, I am so glad that we have discovered all of this now and getting it done before baby arrives. I would have been devastated if our son was in our home breathing it in. I cannot imagine having to go through all this with remodeling with a newborn in the house. Plus, the mold might be the cause of mine and Jonathan’s constant sinus issues. Lastly, I have said for 7 years now that I absolutely HATE the ugly wood panels… and now we are finally getting rid of them and making my home into something more that I can love and be proud of and decorate! (Wood panels are HARD to make look pretty with decorations.) We have high hopes to get both bedrooms done quickly, and then also complete the living room and hallway. Leaving wood panels in the kitchen only to do a FULL kitchen remodel at a later time.




We did hire some guys to hang the new sheetrock, mud and repaint. They are doing and excellent job so far. So this weekend, we move our bedroom furniture to the baby’s room temporarily and start the demo on our room so they can come back and get started in there. Painting and carpet will come after walls and ceiling are complete. But I have big plans. Paint colors are already picked out and I am THRILLED to get to decorate the baby’s room and the rest of the house once all this remodeling is complete. Just hope everything continues to move smoothly and quickly so I can start all my fun and have my house back to normal! I DESPISE sheetrock dust.

Year in Review - 2018

With the new year upon us, I am so thrilled for everything that is to come in 2019. Mainly the fact that we will be welcoming our BABY BOY to the world. But I always like to take a look back that the year that is coming to an end and reflect on all of the events that took place. I almost forget all of the wonderful things (and some sad) that take place until I compile them all together in a post for me to see. Without further ado, here is my 2018 Year in Review.

January

 We began the year hopeful and starting Round 2 of Clomid after Round 1's lower dose failed to induce ovulation.

After a long struggle towards the end of his long happy life, we had to say goodbye to our sweet old man Oscar on January 15th.

On January 27th, I found out I was pregnant.

January 30, took mom to a paint night event for her birthday. And old her that she was going to be a Granny.

The morning of January 31st, we found out that I was not going to be having this baby. And I was completely devastated. I had an OB appointment that day for bloodwork to confirm what I already knew to be true.

February

On February 2nd, I began to miscarry.

Even though my emotions were wrecked and I was actively miscarrying, I found the strength to make it to the Champion's Gala in support of my husband, who received 4th place award for the year of 2017. It was a great distraction for me, which I desperately needed to stop the constant crying.

One of my best friends had actually had her second child on January 29th, but it took me until February 10th to get a grip and make it over to her house to meet Ghislaine.

 This cutie kept me cheerful.

Valentine's Roses from my sweetheart.

Started trying to find peace with our loss and with the struggle of infertility as whole by purchasing "In Due Time" by Caroline Harries.

Found the strength to attend a baby "sprinkle" for another dear friend having baby number 2.

March

March had Jonathan and I both seeking joy in our sweet fur babies, Lucy, Booger and Kayla. I was actively on the road to healing and finding peace.

Mom's Dog, Pop

Race season begins!

My girlfriend Amanda's Birthday Bonfire

Another Good Friday Mud Bog in the books!

April

Spring was here, and I continuously had flowers on my desk at work to brighten my days and to give me a sense of caring for something.

My first Tulips popped out from the dirt in my flowerbeds. I had planted bulbs the previous Fall and was sooooo proud to see that they made it! So Jonathan and I got some fresh mulch to brighten everything up and repainted the foundation of our home that was chipped and hideous looking.

I started seeing a new Chiropractor that I am still seeing every other week. I absolutely SWEAR by regular chiropractic adjustments if you have scoliosis/back pain/etc. as I do. I really needed the self care and felt this was one way for me to take the time doing something for me.

Race Life

In April, AF returned naturally after a 66 day hiatus following our miscarriage. Since my current OB was actually retiring, we decided to ask her to fill one more round of Clomid 100mg for us to try. So Round 3 began. Hopeful and fully expecting to get pregnant again, I pushed forward declaring success already ours.

April 21st, we attended a beautiful wedding for Jonathan's cousin Chad and his fiancé Lynsey. I unfortunately didn't snag a picture of the bride and groom that day.

May

 

May 2nd was CD25, and I had come to accept that Clomid Round 3 had failed to induce ovulation. This left me feeling that possibly I still had healing, learning and growing to do. I decided I would make some changes to try to improve my overall health. I switched to a strict Keto diet and also started taking Vitex+, and I got back to a gym schedule of 3x a week. On CD58, I ovulated, on my own, without medicine. Though we did not get pregnant, I was thrilled that my body did what it was supposed to naturally.

My Lily bulbs that I had planted were finally getting buds on them and decided to bloom GOREGOUSLY!

Race Wife privileges, you get your name on the passenger window.

We threw my mother-in-law a surprise 60th birthday party, and it was wonderful. She had such an great time and didn't expect it at all.

Mother's Day was tough, really tough. But Jonathan made sure to help me through it while also spending time with his mother.

I woke up early and prepared a HomeChef breakfast for my Mom. Pineapple Upsidedown Cake Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, and MOMosas.

 We then invited Jonathan's mother to join us out on the boat for the rest of the day.

By the end of May, I had started to notice a significant difference in the way my body looked and in the way I was feeling about myself. Keto diet was definitely helping me to lose weight that the previous three rounds of clomid had helped me to gain, I was getting my confidence back. I also had started drinking therapeutic Ketones at this point to supplement the keto diet when I was not able to eat perfectly.

Ski Day

Treated myself to a new look with lighter hair!

June

Loved having this lighter hair for the summer months.

Jonathan's 32nd Birthday fell on a Saturday this year, and also a scheduled race day. I invited family and some friends to come out to the track for food and to celebrate him. Even my sweet dear Granny came along.

Gift I had made for Jonathan by an artist. He LOVED it!

Full weekend of racing had us at a different track on Sunday where he was the runner up in the event.

Father's Day always falls right near Jonathan's birthday. So for Father's Day this year, Dad was at the track for Jonathan's birthday. I gave him a new Vape in hopes that he would try again to quit smoking. (He's not quit yet.)

I had finally scheduled my regular annual with a new OB, since mine retired. I had been looking forward to this appointment and was also nervous. One, I had acutally ovulated NATURALLY again a few days prior to my appointment. Two, you never know what you will get with a regular OB when it comes to infertility. Well she was so wonderful. I explained to her all that I had been through and tried so far. She immediately did bloodwork and scheduled me for ultrasound the following week. At which time I finally received my OFFICIAL PCOS diagnosis, along with starting my first low dose round of Femara/Letrozole.

Another awesome day of racing for Jonathan in Roxboro, NC. He won in one class and lost in the semifinals in a class that he doesn't usually win in.

 My Friend Megan (on the right) won VIP tickets for her and 8 friends to see Maddie and Tae in concert at a local mall. It was catered by Maggianos, free beer and wine tastings, and front row cushioned seats for the show. We had such a fun time and was an awesome experience to be considered "VIP".

The next day me and the same two girlfriends above, Jessica and Megan, had already purchased way in advance tickets to see Ludacris at Innsbrook Afterhours. I spent sometime in my mom's pool that day trying to get my tan on.

Luda!

July

Ride on the Bass Boat

Remi's 3rd Birthday

Round 1 of Femara at 2.5mg failed to make me ovulate, so bumped up to 5mg for Femara Round 2.

Still working on healing my heart.

3 Years Smoke Free!

4th of July

Another fun day just me and my love, boat rides and Maggiano's for dinner.

Ketone's and More Weightloss, soooo CLOSE to my goal!

Lee Brice, LANCO, and Lewis Brice concert at Innsbrook with my love.

MASSAGE

Visiting Pampaw and Beaby in Roanoke

August

Race Life

Photographer snapped a cute pic of Jonathan and I. One of our friends won the race that day and we were waiting for the Winner's Circle photo.



My Sister-In-Law's Birthday Dinner at Maggiano's. 

 

 

Femara Round 2 WORKED! Let the TWW begin!

 

 

10 Year Highschool Reunion

Vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC

 

My 28th Birthday (BFN and HORRIBLE cramps!)

Dinner at Maggiano's.

 My Granny and I always share our Birthday dinner's <3

From "Why Her?" by Nicki Koziarz

 
Sweet gift from a dear friend. I absolutely LOVED this book.

 
Starting Femara Round 3

September

Had an awesome day out on the boat with Jonathan and my Dad. It was his first time ever joining us for a boat day and I am so glad to have made those memories with him that day.

 

 

 

 

 

Femara worked AGAIN!

 Loving what this book is giving me spiritually.

Jonathan and one of his best friends travelled to NC for a race, where they finished Jonathan 1st and Russell 2nd. Was an awesome day for them both!

Another final in the book, came in 2nd this day

Annual Family Reunion in Roanoke, VA

 

 

 

And my last visit with Pampaw before he passed away.

Started Femara Round 4

October

Weight gain from back to back rounds of fertility meds.

 
So thankful that Femara now worked 3 times in a row!

 
Old Dominion Concert with Megan!

 

I successfully completed a 60 Hour Reboot (Cleanse).

The day that would've been my due date if I hadn't have miscarried. Jonathan and I decided to go public with information of our loss for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

 

 
Jonathan and I took my Mom and Ed with us out to dinner and to see Darren Knight's Southern Momma Comedy.

Two days later, on October 15th, I found out I was pregnant!

 

I went to Charlottesville with my Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law for a MercyMe Concert. Took everything in me not to blab to them right then and there!

 

Positive Digital Test, after two separate blood draws that confirmed HCG was doubling and Progesterone was also rising.

On October 24th, my Pampaw's journey on this earth came to an end.

 

 

November

 
Chris Stapleton concert in Charlottesville with my Mom and Ed.

 

 Our first ultrasound/Dr appointment.

Made my famous Bananna Pudding for the annual Friendsgiving celebration.

 

Thanksgiving Day, we shared our news with majority of our family members. 

 

December

Our 2nd ultrasound to confirm baby's measurements were all caught up. And appointment to submit bloodwork for the NIPT.

 Love listening to our baby's little heartbeat.

 
Went to the movies with my hunnie for a last minute date night.

We decorated the house for Christmas and had our first big snow of the season!

 

We made it to 12 weeks!!

 
We found out baby Martin was a BOY on 12/14/2018 and on Christmas Eve (13w4d) we went public on FB with our exciting news.

 
Celebrated Christmas Day with our families.

Well, that is it for 2018's Year in Review, and what a FULL year it was. I am so blessed with all of the fun and exciting things that I was able to be a part of and have happen in 2018. Jonathan and I are thrilled for all that 2019 will bring to our lives. Including our little boy. <3 Thank you God for this incredible life and all of the blessings I have and will receive.