19 Weeks and Counting

For those of you who don't know, WE'RE PREGNANT!!!  We're at 19 weeks and our little Cookie is doing well.  Many people have asked me the nickname "Cookie" came about.

Cookie came about because when I travelled a lot I had access to the US Airways Club Lounge.  They had the most delicious daily made cookies and I would always bring Nick a couple home.  The day I took the pregnancy test, Nick didn't know I was taking it.  When I came out with it behind my back to tell him, he took one  look at me and my face and asked if I had a cookie for him that I had forgotten in my suitcase.

Now, it had been three months since my last trip, but he had such an excited look on his face, I laughed and tossed the test at him and told him the news.  He was very happy, but a little shocked and looked at me and said, "I thought it was a cookie"...and Cookie was named.  I think the nickname may stick after Cookie is born...stay tuned.

I'm going to copy one of my friend's (thank you CJM) blogs who is also pregnant (she's just 2 weeks ahead of me).  I'm hoping she takes it as more of a compliment and isn't annoyed by it...

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: A lot...I was very, very ill my fist trimester, but shoved food in my stomach three times a day any way.  The problem was, the only thing I could keep down was either cheeseburgers from McDonald's or plain pasta, potatoes, rice, and so on.  I also couldn't move much or I would throw up (don't ask me how I made it to work every day!).  I basically laid in bed every moment I was home and still threw up once a day (gross!).  So given I was eating high carb, high calorie foods and wasn't getting a lick of exercise, hello 12 lbs in the first trimester (I don't recommend it - you don't look pregnant, but really, really, really fat - because you are)!  The second trimester weight gain is more hitting the 1-2 lbs per week that is expected.  Total weight gains since the beginning of the first trimester (starting at 14 weeks): 5 lbs (that's 17 lbs total for those of you wondering).

MOVEMENT: Yes!!!  It started last Thursday at the Padres game...could this little one be a baseball fan???  The movement has been happening on and off ever since and it is seriously the coolest feeling ever!  The movements feel like anything from rolling bubbles, butterfly wing flutters, and involuntary muscle twitches.  I feel them daily, some days more than others, but it's there.

CRAVINGS: Not too much...the biggest thing I get a hankering for is cheeseburgers with extra pickles and ketchup.  Yes, my craving is that specific.  It also has to be McDonald's cheeseburgers to really quench the craving.

SYMPTOMS: Yes.  Ginormous boobs...went from a C cup to I don't even know how big anymore...let's just say I outgrew DD.  Scary, scary, scary.  I'm told they're only going to get bigger.  I've been trying to hold out on buying a really nice new bra because as soon as I get the next cup size, they grow again.  Some indigestion, my back KILLS - it's got to be the growing chest, but as much as the boobs have grown, the belly grew more, it now sticks out farther than my chest.  When I look down I see my bump popping out.  Very cool.  I also have baby brain like no other.  I feel very, very, very stupid and like I'm going crazy half the time.  Pregnancy dreams - they're really crazy...I won't even tell you what my twisted mind is coming up with, I just hope it's not affecting Cookie's psychological health.

BELLY BUTTON: Still an innie; however, it's getting shallower by the day.

PREPARATIONS:  The "junk room" has been emptied out and will become the nursery.  All the room baseboards and trim around the doors has been removed (we're going to replace it).  I haven't settled on a paint color, but we are replacing the carpet to a beige color (currently ugly navy blue).  The crib and mattress and changing table have been purchased.  I've also started painting these really cool pictures that will hang in the room.  I also have plans to make my own mobile (thank you again to CJM for the idea - and the pattern).

MILESTONES: 19 week ultrasound today!!! No gender though...Cookie did not cooperate and would not uncross his/her legs...even after 45 minutes of doing all kinds of things.  We do need another one...Cookie was uncooperative enough that the ultrasound technician couldn't get the most detailed look of the heart she wanted so we get one more chance in 2 1/2 weeks (Oct 1st, mark your calendar!).

WEEKLY WISDOM: Be thankful for your husband (if you have one), this has been a roller coaster so far - I'm happy, I'm scared, I'm angry, I'm hungry, I don't believe I'm actually pregnant - and through it all with a shoulder to lean on and nothing but a supportive, loving attitude has been Nick.  He even tells me how beautiful everyday no matter how fat I'm getting...

Here's a couple pics...
 

Cookie at 12 weeks!  Look at that Muscolino nose!



The 16 Week Bump



Cookie at 19 Weeks!