12 Weeks 5 Days! Heart Beat Week!

I'm catching up - this will be lengthy. Life is busy. That will always be my excuse! Busy Busy Busy!!! But, that's how it goes when your are blessed with friends and family whose energy and company is contagious!

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We recently enjoyed a trip to Crane's Orchard to get some apples for snacking and baking. It's always a joy  to spend time with our friends and their babies! Not to mention fresh apples and apple cider donuts!

These little cuties were great sports! They love apples!

Ashley was sneaking around, but she caught us in a great moment :)

I also learned that my husband is a natural born meteorologist. Our trip the Crane's ended with full bellies. I wanted to visit the horse farm that I volunteer at around the corner but Eric wasn't so sure we'd have time based on the clouds. Tut Tut! Looks like rain!  But, we went anyway just so I could pet some of my four legged babies and give them apple treats!

Our visit was short until Cory noticed a pig out of the pen. What to do? The owners weren't home? My pig experience consisted of collecting pig items between the ages of 8 and 12. After meeting Mr. Bacon and wasting apples trying to coax him into submission, we ended up leaving the noble neighbor up to the task. He's a chef and a farm hand. He has to have more pork experience, right? Then... just as we were leaving.... downpour!!!! I guess my loving husband has another talent :)

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This past weekend we enjoyed a trip to WI to visit my homeland. I was sicky icky for a good few days and Eric suggested that I could probably use some Mama time. He was right!!

It was a great trip. Spontaneous! I really do love mini-road-trips with my best friend. We had great conversations and jammed to some Journey while in Chicago. Once we hit WI, my allergies (terrible for the last 6 weeks) turned into a full-blown cold. It was disappointing not to be able to taste Mom's good cooking! But, what's better than your mom waking your up in the morning with tea, honey, and pretzels. That is what I was needing for weeks! I love her so much.

We also had a gem of a time playing with my beautiful nieces. Those little girls are so silly and spunky. I can't imagine where they get that from!?! I love watching their little personalities develop over time. Mom put it best: Hadley will be the class clown and Aida will be the teacher's pet. We'll see!! 

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Our 12 week visit was yesterday! We heard the heart beat!!! A whopping 158! Of course, our OBGYN made a joke about it being a girl which put Eric in a "mood" for about 20 minutes. I suggested we do some grocery shopping therapy afterward! 

158! Healthy and alive! The little "alien invader" has been promoted to jelly bean, gummie bear, and button. :) I'm feeling a lot more at ease. I had a lot of anxiety regarding the "M" word. I've seen people's worlds torn apart. Hopefully our "less that 2% chance" of losing this little bundle hold true. Either way, it's His plan. 

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How Far Along: 12 weeks 5 days

Size of Baby: This week our baby is the size of a lime or a plum. MMmm!
Reflexes! Fingers, toes, and eyes! Mouth is making sucking movements. 2 inches in length :)

Weight Gain: Still not much change. Maybe a pound or 2.

Belly: Doc said that it's beginning! Right under my muffin top and getting harder. I think I'll start to "pop" sooner than some because I have such a short torso.

Sleep: Less needed naps. Although, I could sleep. Having a hard time getting out of bed.
 
Movement: Big ole ??  -- I thought I felt something a couple weeks ago. I must have been wrong. I'm just unsure.

Symptoms: 24/7 nausea is gone! Now just some gut aches and head aches. Still tired.
 
Food Cravings: Gushers, steamed carrots

Gender: Eric brought it to my attention that he is very interesting in knowing. I might have to compromise. We'll see.... 
 
What I Miss: I still miss cooking. I miss energy for playing  in my kitchen. It's fall! I should be baking!!!

What I'm Looking Forward to: Finding a home, getting a bump, announcing at work

Milestones: 1st trimester over!!! 
 

Until next time, friends. Shine on. Do something nice for someone you don't know today :)