11 Weeks

I'm not promising to post a picture every week. In fact, I'm rather horrified by these first two. But I feel like 11 weeks deserves a post for a couple of reasons:

1. I have a doctor update to go along with it.

2. This is the week I felt like I really started showing.

Week 10, I was breezing along, definitely knowing I had gained a couple of pounds, but still wearing SOME of my "skinny pants" for the last time . . . well, maybe ever. Then I wore dresses for a couple of days. Then, on Friday, I pulled out a pair of pants to wear to work. They were too tight. Uh-oh. Another pair. Same problem. Another pair - they were workable. But by the end of the day, I definitely knew it was the last time I'd be wearing them. All of the sudden, my closet seemed full of clothes that did not fit. I did get confirmation from some friends that no matter how grateful and excited you are to be pregnant, not fitting into your clothes is an emotional experience. I ventured into the maternity store on Saturday . . . oh my. So overwhelming. The belly that promises to add 3 months would seem to be perfect - if I ONLY gain weight in my belly! Which hardly seems like something I can count on (upon which I can count, if I'm being grammatically correct, but I feel like the blog should have a more conversational tone, don't you?). I did come home Saturday afternoon and reorganize my closet; separating the stuff I already can't wear so it's at least not at eye level anymore. And I am the proud owner of a Bella Band (well, the Target brand anyway) which seems will be very helpful. This last week, I've just worn skirts, since those fit so much more easily. When we finally took the 11 week picture, I expected a huge difference from the week before. I can't believe you can barely tell!

My doctor appointment was Tuesday. I was not entirely sure what to expect, but I was prepared with a list of questions. Jason had to be at work, but we didn't think he would miss too much. I finally now understand the difference between an ultrasound, a doppler, and a stethoscope. When we had our ultrasound, I was surprised at how fast it was - as soon as she turned the machine on, we could immediately see the baby and see the heartbeat. I was expecting a waiting, holding our breath, are-we-going-to-be-able-to-hear-it experience. Now I realize that comes from the doppler, which is similar to a sound-only ultrasound. The nurse still rubbed the wand over my belly, but with no picture, she's just searching for the heartbeat. And it took a few minutes to find it. And a few more minutes for me to be able to recognize what she was hearing. But at 11 weeks, both she and Dr. Phillips said it's great to be able to hear it at all, so I was very thankful. It was pretty fast - around 155 - 160, I think? I didn't think of that as being a detail I should write down, but so many people have asked me, I guess I should have! Otherwise, the appointment was uneventful. Dr. Phillip's says everything looks great. I asked my list of questions, and was on my way. Next appointment, Oct. 4!

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." 1 Peter 3:3-5