Almost Halfway!

Expecting our first child with the love of my life :)

Well, my first post and we are at the halfway point already - 20 weeks this Saturday! How to even sum up the first 4 1/2 months....

1. The "Get it Done" Plan - no one read more info on the internet about how to get it done and get it done efficiently in month 1. With digital ovulation predictor in one hand and the calendar in the other..... I shouldn't be so shocked we were 1 for 1 - but I was - and excited!

2. Keeping it a secret for 10 WEEKS!!! So hard.... It's some of the most exciting news in your life - like getting engaged - but you don't jump on the phone and call everyone you know! It was fun to be "our little secret" for awhile and to get used to the idea! Calling my parents and family was such an exciting and emotional night! Telling my mom... and then hearing all of Sara's kids break out in cheers in the background to the point she couldn't hear - priceless!

3. Timing... We found out on New years day morning... at least I could explain turning down alcohol and caffeine, etc.. as my very ambitious "New Years Resolution!" Talk about the world's biggest caffeine withdrawal headache on New Years day... might as well as had a hangover!

4. January - some rough days at work - tired, bloated, slightly nauseous, clothes getting tighter. When you haven't told anyone you are pregnant, you just go with the Mantra "Suck it up!" (Except Bradley may disagree....) There were some rough Saturdays in there and only him to take the brunt of it!

5. Lifesaver - Colace - enough said - Thank you Kari!

6. Highlight - Week 12 - Hearing the heartbeat - seriously, brought tears of joy and excitement - proof there is a little life inside.

7. First visit to the clinic for lab tests - Passed out COLD during the blood draw requiring two vials to revive me - quite traumatic! I scared the nurses more than myself.

8. What i didn't expect - My boobs to grow so much faster than my "bump" although it is finally catching up....

9. Challenge - One bedroom condo - do you decorate the corner of the dining room?

10. The best thing so far - Bradley! I'm a lucky girl!

11. Biggest question? Will i ever feel sexy again?? Ever???

12. 1$ Gender bets - Bradley's family has put down money against the gender of our first born - 3 (Bradley, Tom, Bryan) on boy and 6 (Bev, Steph, Jessie, Katie, Svea, and Bryn) on girl. We find out April 20!

13. Maternity clothes - I pretty much hate them all... Seriously, trying to find LONG pants with an inseam I can lengthen, empire waists that actually come down over my boobs, tie back waists, and the list goes on. Every morning is a wardrobe challenge before work - EVERY one! (Ask my husband!)

So, there are some things to sum up this pregnancy so far..... it's been a journey and we are only halfway there! Sometimes I am just blown away by the fact we will be parents and holding a tiny baby (our baby!) in less than 5 months - it seems so surreal but makes everything about pregnancy seem worthwhile - I can hardly wait to hold you, Shrimpy!