17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks 4 days
Total Weight Gain: Lost 6 lbs and gained it all back. Still at pre-pregnancy weight! Not for long I'm sure.  
Stretchmarks: None yet! I will continue to slather on the lotion so that I am being pro-active!
Sleep: So much better. First trimester I would be up from 2am-4am on the nights I was home. I work nights so I am messed up on sleep as it is.
Best Moment This Week: Finding out if we are having a son or daughter!
Movement: I feel different sensations that I have never felt before and definitely think it's the baby. They feel like flutters or tickles. Can't wait to feel something stronger!
Gender: We know and will reveal soon! We are telling our families tomorrow!
Labor Signs: Too early for that!
Belly Button: Still in. I can tell it's stretching with my expanding belly. I still have my belly button ring in, much to Nick's dismay. lol. Come on, let me hold onto my youth and the one little rebellious thing I did for a little bit! It will be gone soon.
What I Miss: My flat stomach and wine! I definitely didn't miss any alcohol the first trimester, but I would love a glass of red now!
What I am Looking Forward to: Actually looking pregnant, and being able to feel the baby move. Hopefully within the next couple weeks! Telling our families the gender!
Milestones: Baby is the size of an onion. Approx. 5 inches long and 6 oz. I started exercising this week! I finally feel better and feel up to it!! It's so great to have some energy back.

First purchase

It's so exciting to look at baby things and picture our little one wearing a certain outfit or playing with that toy etc. Just can't wait! My mom had me pick out a boy and girl outfit one day. I have them hanging in our living room because they are so darn cute! Plus we need to get use to having baby stuff around. Here they are...

We should find out very soon if we are team pink or blue!! My big purchase was my diaper bag! I have always loved the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags. So many cute patterns and designs! Plus the shape, size and durability seem great! I know many people have them, but I can see why!! They're adorable. A couple weeks ago I was flipping through Nordstrom's Anniversary Catalog and I found the diaper bag I wanted!! I signed up right away for the pre-sale and got it!! It was such a great deal!! I am in love!!



Camping Trip

Nick and I just got back from camping in the Sierras with my family. We stayed at a campground called Mono Village. I started going there when I was little girl and we would go back every summer! I love that place and it always brings me to a happy place when I am there! Going this summer, would be the first time I had been in 5 years! Plus, this time I was able to show Nick a place that had always been a part of my life. It was a great trip with lots of family and friends! We had so many people there and there was always something to do or someone to hangout with.

Teenage bear looking for food in the fire pit.

Black cub wandering around.

Nick in his element

Down at the lake

Family Picture (w/ my parents 3 dogs)

We had a great time hanging out, telling stories, having a campfire and making smores, going bear hunting, being at the lake, hiking, and being in God's nature. It sure was beautiful and the weather was perfect!!

Technically, we aren't allowed to go "bear hunting" or aka looking for bears. They would come through our camp at all hours of the day. They scare easily and don't mess with people. They are just looking for food. My parents were staying in a trailer, but Nick and I stayed in a tent. This will probably be one of the last times for a while because I'm not sure a baby and tent go together. One night at 11:40pm Nick heard sniffing. Then with the glow of the moonlight, we could see the outline of bears rear-end outside our tent. It got into one of Nick's storage containers. We put all our food and ice chests away at night. Yet the bear thought this container might have something good in it. How do plastic spoons or paper plates sound?! lol. There was a can of Pam in box that she bit through and punctured, leaving a greasy mess in the box. She was the momma bear we had seen around camp that has two little cubs. So we named her Pam after that :) Also, she bit into one of my acrylic wine glasses, so I'm thinking she's a wino too!!

Tipped over the chairs and box

The damaged Pam can

13.5 weeks

Here is our little pita at 13.5 weeks! I just love seeing the profile!

This was the first appointment that Nick was able to come and be a part of. It was so special to be there together and see our baby. It's amazing how only a few weeks later, it actually has taken form to look like a baby!! We were able to see the baby's mouth open and close. The small things are so sweet and bring great joy! I love seeing the changes. Can't wait to find out the gender!!!

Spreading the word

We could not wait to tell our families and friends the news! It was hard to keep it to ourselves. We had decided to tell our families on Father's Day. I made 'Save the Date' cards to give to each our parents. Well my mom told us she was going to be gone visiting her family in Washington for 2 weeks over Father's day. Hmm...okay change of plans.

We decided to tell my parents at dinner the Monday before Father's day before she left. I handed her the card with little words and waited for her to open with anticipation! They were both surprised and filled with happiness! It was a great moment! We told my siblings on Father's day. My older brother was playing with Nick's new phone and I told him, "whatever you do, don't look at the pictures!" He got so curious and I could only wonder what he was thinking! Well finally I pulled up an ultrasound picture on the phone and showed it to him (that's what I didn't want him to see)! At first, he didnt know what it was lol. Luckily, his wife Jamie understood. Landon was a little slow and when he heard baby, he jumped for joy! My little brother is AMAZING with kids! He can't wait to hold the baby all the time! I can't wait to see him be an uncle!

On Father's day, we had a BBQ at Nick's parent's house with the whole family. I had the card with me the whole time waiting for the perfect time to give it to them. It just seemed that no one would be all together at the same time or not for long! Plus, our brother in law was sick and missing the whole thing :( Finally after dessert, we were able to share the news. It was a happy and tearful time! Finally, the big news was out!!

Front of the card

Inside

After our families knew we were able to call and text our friends and other family members. I was a little sad that this secret wasn't just between Nick and I anymore, It was our thing that we knew. Yet, afterwards with everyone knowing, it made it all more exciting!!

Funny little story, at church on Father's Day, one lady (who happens to be a teacher with my mom) said to Nick, "Happy Father's Day........one day!" Phew, I thought somehow she had found out and was going to spill the news in front of my brothers. It made my heart beat a little faster, but I knew she meant nothing else by it. 

Well that's it for now! The word is out and it's so fun!!