Week #6

We are ending the 6th week. So far I feel the same; lots of fatigue, (naps to go along with the fatigue) nausea and bloating. I feel like my clothes are fitting just a little bit tighter, but nothing noticeable just yet. Alfonso doesn't see much of a change with my body, but I feel like I am just a bit bigger. I've been trying to exercise, but I've exercised only once this week because I've been so tired. It doesn't help that I also had two tests this week, and three assignments due for my classes at school. We went ring shopping for the second time on Tuesday. I chose a ring that I like, but the final product won't be in until next week (they are ordering it from another store) so we aren't sure until then. Here are the developmental updates for week #6:

The arms and legs continue to develop - These limbs are stretching out more and more. Later on you will be feeling those feet and elbows up close and personal right in your bladder!

Brain is growing well - Did you know that over the course of the remaining months that your baby's brain will develop over 100 billion neurons? This is just the beginning!

Lenses of the eyes appear - If you could catch a glimpse inside, you would notice your baby's appearance becoming increasing like a newborn's.

Nostrils are formed - The position of the nose seems to shift into its proper place as well. Soon, the nerves running from the nose to the brain appear.

Intestines grow - Initially these are actually located outside the baby's body within the umbilical cord.

Pancreas - Your baby is now equipped to deal with digestive enzymes and take on processing the insulin and glucagons the body needs to function.

Love, Becky

Week #5 of baby development

Hello, we are now ending week#5 and going into week #6. I am still feeling nausea, fatigue and bloating. I weighed 125 lbs last week, so I am going to reweigh myself tomorrow. I have been drinking a lot of water, but at times I still feel dehydrated. Sometimes I am moody; really happy and then scared and sad. Alfonso has been working a lot lately, so I haven't been able to see him as much. I feel better when he is around, but I am learning to cope and not feel so freaked out. Before I go to bed, I pray for a healthy baby and pregnancy. So far, so good. :)

Week Five
First heartbeats begin - If you have an early ultrasound you may not be able to recognize this tiny being as a baby, but there is no mistaking what it feels like seeing your child's heartbeat on that screen. That rhythmic beat is echoed in your own heart.

Umbilical cord develops - This is your baby's lifeline in utero. It bears the responsibility of pumping in oxygen, removing waste, and supplying the necessary nutrients for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Blood is now pumping - All four heart chambers are now functioning, insuring your baby's body will receive all it needs over not only the remainder of your pregnancy but throughout life.
Most other organs begin to develop - Your infant's lungs start to appear, along with her brain. Already your little one is preparing for a quest for lifelong learning!

Arm and leg buds appear - While they may not appear to be much at this stage it is ok to dream of the future. Just imagine your ballerina twirling and jumping around your kitchen floor. Or perhaps you will have the precocious boy that throws the perfect pitch -- right through the neighbor's window.

Week #5

We are in the middle of week #5. This is not an exact estimation, since I need to go to the OB/GYN to get a more specific date, but by my calculations I think we are in week #5. So far my due date is June 15th, 2007 (this is counting from the first day of my last period). I am feeling pretty good; just feeling nauseous and tired mostly. Sometimes I take a nap in the afternoon and then I feel better. I notice that I have some mild leg cramping, so I try to elevate my legs and do some morning stretching. I also take my prenatal vitamin every morning, and today I had a really yummy salad with vegetables.

I am taking classes this semester for my BSN in Nursing, so on top of being pregnant I have school full time and work (part-time Friday and Saturday night only). We are almost halfway through the semester, so I just want to make it to the end of this semester (and not to mention this trimester).

I have been watching a lot of baby shows on TLC. I love watching all of them; A Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby are really fun. I sometimes get emotional watching them, and I can't wait to see our little one.

Alfonso told his co-workers yesterday that we are expecting. Diego just about flipped out and I could hear the excitement in his voice from Alfonso's phone.

Here is a photo of me taken the other night. I'm feeling bloated, so my belly is sticking out a little bit. I think it's a little early to be showing just yet!

Love, Becky

Our sweet surprise

We found out last week (Tuesday, October 10th) that I was pregnant. I had missed my period the week before and had taken two home pregnancy test that looked faintly positive. I decided to go to the doctor's office and take a pregnancy test for the sake of assurance. As I sat waiting to be called back in for the results, my mind alternated between thinking that I was pregnant/not pregnant. Finally I was called in and sure enough, I was pregnant. I felt shock, surprise and felt emotional. After talking to the counselor and signing the papers, I drove myself to my 11:00 am class in Northridge. I sat through my class in a daze. As the day progressed, I started to accept the pregnancy and started to feel happy and excited. Alfonso was still sleeping (he had worked the night before and was scheduled to work again) so I didn't want to tell him until he had woken up.

I called my sister in Wisconsin, and told her the news. Initially I felt worried about my parents reaction, but my sister reassured me that they would be happy. I also told my good friend Katie (she has a three year old and is a nurse as well) and my roommate Cote. I couldn't wait to tell Alfonso, but I had to wait for him to wake up. I killed some time and went to Target and bought prenatal vitamins and the book set "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and "What to Expect the First Year."

I went over to Alfonso's at 5:00 pm, and woke him up by kissing his face. He opened his eyes and then snuggled back under the covers. I asked him if he was getting up soon, and he said in a little bit. I didn't want to wait any longer so we sat for a moment looking into each other's eyes and that's when I told him. Alfonso was surprised, he laughed for a moment and then we hugged and kissed each other. We spoke for the next hour until he had to get ready for work.

Afterwards, I called my parents in Michigan. I spoke to my mom first and she was happy and excited for us. I was worried that her and my dad would be upset that we had gotten pregnant before we were married, but they were happy and excited. My mom told me that I've always done things non-conventionally. She also said that I am at a good age to have children (27) and that I have a good career and we've been together for a long time. I then called my two brothers and told them that they were going to be uncles.

So far it's been really wonderful to see the joy expressed from our family and friends. Alfonso told his sister Saturday, and she called me yesterday to congratulate us.

We are planning for a wedding in March or April, and the baby will be due in June. I am experiencing nausea, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and dizziness. I am in my fifth week, and looking at doctors (I don't like my current OB-GYN) and switched over to part-time with benefits at St Joe's.

We are going to use this blog to keep our friends and family informed of our progress. We will be posting photos, giving updates on the baby and letting you know how the baby is progressing. Please check back from time-to-time!

Love, Becky and Alfonso