Day 2 : North Shore

This morning we got up and headed to Costco to get our groceries for the length of our stay.  We still don’t really like to eat out all that much even when we’re traveling.  We pack our lunches, and by the time we’re done with festivities for the day, we head home and make dinner.  The sun goes down here around 530ish.  After we ate lunch, we headed down to North Shore to catch the last day of the surfing competition at the Bonsai Pipeline.  The waves, for North Shore, have been pretty small for this competition.  Instead of 10-12 foot waves, they’re 6-8 foot.  It was a fun, relaxing afternoon.  It was cool seeing that some of the surfers from Melbourne made it to the top rounds … one of the Hobgood brothers and Kelly Slater.  I don’t remember who made it to the final two, and I don’t remember who won…but it was so nice just sitting out and relaxing on the beach. 

Chris took a picture with a beached whale while we were there.  I have no idea how I managed to pop out so much in a single day with my belly, but man, that thing is a growin!!  (It actually looks much bigger already...the next morning when I woke up, it was just OUT, and it's just staying that way.)

 We stopped by the infamous M. Motsumoto’s for shaved ice on our way home.  Yuuum.

Day 1 : Hawaii Adventure Begins

Today we arrived in Hawaii.  After an emotional and sad Tuesday night, we woke up on Wednesday morning after a few hours of sleep, gathered our stuff, said our goodbyes to my Dad and Kodi and headed to the airport with my T. Mom.  We had one layover flight in Atlanta.  Because we had opened the Delta Skymiles American Express Credit Card, they sent us free passes to their Sky Club.  We sat in their lounge and had a decent breakfast before boarding our 10.5 hour flight to Honolulu.  It was amazing.  The even more amazing part about the lounge was that no one asked us for our passes, so we most definitely plan on stopping in one in LA too for some decent food on our way back! 

The 10.5 hour flight was loooong, as expected.  It was actually relatively enjoyable as far as flights go because we had the isle and window seats on the 3^rd row (2 seater).  Minus getting scolded like school children for getting up too many times (which we had to do about every hour – docs orders for preventing blood clots in my legs) while the seatbelt sign was up, there was plenty to do to keep us from being bored on the flight.  We watched movies, played games, and talked a lot about my Papaw.  I wrote, , and deleted completely what I wanted my Dad to say at his eulogy.

We arrived in Honolulu at 430 HT (Hawaii Time), 930 PM EST.  Steph met us at the airport to give us her keys to her house, the garage door opener, and we headed off to the rental car place.  After getting our car, we headed to Steph’s area of town, but stopped to get a sub from subway and a fruit smoothie from Jamba Juice.  We were too tired to go grocery shopping, but knew we needed to eat something before hitting the sack.  At that point, I was done.  I couldn’t order my smoothie, and I looked like a retard trying to order my sub.  I was past the point of speaking ability in my tiredness.  Hard to believe, I know.  We managed to stay awake until 745 pm, and then crashed.  Steph came home a few hours later (she had a dinner for her marathon she had run the previous weekend), and we stayed up and chatted with her for a few hours.  It was nice to catch up!

Week 16

Okay, I lied...you get one more post.  I've got dinner on and T-minus 10 minutes until it's ready, so I'd better type fast!

Today was my 4 month checkup.  We heard the babies heartbeat again, which is back down at his/her normal rate.  Woo Hoo!

All of my stats looked good.  The girls in the office and Dr. Gallagher himself all said, at seperate times, something to the extent of 'wow Kara, you're feeling better, huh?!  Glad to see it!'  Yep, I looked like death the last time I was in there!  I still had my hair in a bun, but every day me does not look like death worn over me...thank goodness!!

Chris was concerned because I haven't gained any weight over the last month.  I was shocked.  My boobs have gained at least 2 more lbs, and I'm starting to show...so that's at least another few pounds there.  But, with being sick, he didn't seem too concerned.  He thinks I'll gain 6-8 lbs by the time I return, which I've definitely accounted for in my Hawaii gear.

He says the baby has moved up (and so has my uterus) to right at my belly button, so I've got to be careful leaning on things, getting hit in the stomach, and making sure I start wearing maternity clothes before too long.  All I packed for our trip was maternity jeans, so that part is definitely taken care of!

My new goal weight for the end of this is 25-30lbs.  That sounds better than 35 lbs to me!

Next appt is another breast exam...he's concerned with my lumps in there and wants to make sure they don't grow (I have no idea what happens if they do) during pregnancy...annnndd...our 2nd ultra sound!!!  We'll know next appt (Jan 15th) if Baby H is a boy or a girl.  So exiting!!!

The doc doesn't want me going through the full body scanners in the airport.  He said it's probably fine, but he'd rather not risk it, which means bright and early Wednesday morning, I get to get the full frisk.  Oh boy oh boy!!!

Anndd...finally, most of you know that I fractured my tailbone back in February snowboarding.  After sitting for long periods of time, it's started hurting again in the last month or so.  I asked the doctor about this, and he said that it should be okay during pregnancy, but that during delivery, I might re-fracture it because it's a weak area now.  But, since I'm getting an epidural, I won't feel it until afterwards.  AllRIGHT!!!  So, I get to bring home a newborn, figure out breast feeding, AND have a broken butt!!!  Man oh man, I'm gonna be SO much fun to be around!!!  :-)

Buzzers are going off...time to go eat!

End of Week 15

Allright, Allright, I'll post some pictures already!!!

This past week was a really tough one, as you guys all know from my other blog.  The scariest part about getting that sick was what it was doing to the baby.  When my fever got up above 100, we called and then headed into the Doctors office.  They put the doppler thing on my belly to hear the babies heartbeat.  Probably only about 30 seconds passed, but it seemed like 10 years before they could find the heartbeat.  Last time, they found it instantly.  The babies heart beat has been staying around 140 - 143, and it was all the way up in the 170's.  The doc said we were still doing okay, but we were headed down a bad path if I couldn't get fluids in me immediately.  Thankfully, the medicine he gave me allowed me to drink without getting sick again.

The meds they gave me are anti-nasea meds for cancer patients.  And one of the main side effects is severe headaches.  Talk about a double whammy.  I couldn't decide after a few days if I'd rather throw up or get rid of this headache...I can't imagine what a cancer patient has to go through (and I hope I never have to). 

But, the scary times have past, and I'm on the slow road to recovery.  Chris and I both came down with flu like symptoms after our throwing up had subsided, so I guess that's a fun part of this virus. 

I do know, however, that better times are ahead...we leave in less than a week for Hawaii, and the day before we leave, Chris will finish up his schooling...and hopefully pass!!!  Oiy, lots to do this weekend!

It's been so cold, so I've been in oversized warm clothes lately.  I can't find where I put my winter clothes, so I sleep in a lot of Chris's pajama pants, and then wear my yoga type pants during the day.  I have no idea if my regular clothes even fit me anymore, which means while I'm packing, I'm going to have to try every.single.thing.on.  Fun fun!

So without further ado, here's what my wardrobe is facing :

I'm starting to just get more round instead of one pudge.  It still looks like a beer gut though.

Ah yes, the belly shot.  I'm actually going to creep myself out (and probably you too) and put up a close up of my belly button...because it fascinates me.  Do you see the right side of my belly button has started already poking out?

Creepy, I know, sorry.  But seriously...when your belly button sticks all the way out, that means to put a fork in you, you're done.  Umm...hello belly button...go back in for quite a few more months please!!!!

And if you want to know my opinion on where I really think I'm carrying Baby H ... it's here :

Yes, I took a picture of my boobs.  I might as well get over them being private...they're all out in the glory and they're pretty hard to hide!!!  On this weekends to do list before we head out to Hawaii : buy some medium sized sports bras.  There's nothing small about these bad boys, and they're feeling quit squashed!!!

One pregnancy funny that I actually still remember from before I got sick.  I was making dinner, and was trying to hurry (as always) to get it done before Chris got home so I could surprise him with it.  In a rush plus pregnancy brain just equals a really dumb Kara.  I attempted to heat up some water in a measuring cup in the microwave.  When the microwave went off, I opened it up, and there was no water.  I was pretty confused because I was pretty sure I hadn't already taken the water from the microwave, and I remember putting it into the measuring cup, and the measuring cup wasn't sitting on the counter.  Being the ADD person that I am, I started putting up the spices while I was trying to figure out what the heck I did with my water, and low and behold, I found my water.  In the spice cabinet.  The closed spice cabinet.  I apparently opened the spice cabinet, put the water in, closed it, then stepped over to the microwave and hit start.  Oiy. 

This is probably my last post before we leave, but I'll try to get more up here while we're gone to keep everyone updated!  Wish us luck with getting everything done this weekend!!!

Week 14 - 2nd trimester

I know, I'm a slacker on here...I've just been so busy, so tired, and so go go go that I really haven't had time to post on what I'm feeling or going through. 

This past week was the most emotionally draining.  The cat is officially out of the bag (minus work, of course) to all of our family and most of our friends.  It's so exciting telling people that we're pregnant, but at the same time, sort of awkward, and completely overwhelming.  I have no clue why I feel that way...maybe my socially awkward Engineering side comes out when it comes to baby news.  I half way think I'm worried about people's reactions, so I mentally brace myself for all different scenarios, which is completely and utterly exhausting.

Everyone was so excited for us, although most were pretty surprised that I had waited till 13 weeks to tell them.  I'm not a good phone person, and I knew I'd see most people the very next week after my 12 week appointment, so I just wanted to wait to tell everyone in person.  We've waited so long to even try to have kids, and we're only pregnant for the first time once, so I really wanted it to be something I did face-to-face to as many people as possible.  Sorry to any family / friends who's feelings I hurt!!  Trust me though, if I would've told you on email or a phone call, I would've immediately gone MIA because I've just been too exhausted to do much more than work and try to function in my day to day life. 

I did help throw a baby shower this past weekend, and luckily I got up some energy to do some decorating things before that.  It's so fun to be able to share this experience with someone who's 3 months ahead of me!

I'm starting to get my energy back, although I'm still not able to function at the go-go-go pace that I'm used to.  My appetite is getting better too, but moreso in the fact that I'm just hungry a lot.  I'm still pretty picky about what I want to eat.

I'm not sure how Chris puts up with me most days.  I don't really know what I want to eat, I just know what I DON'T want to eat.  If we don't have anywhere special to be, I look like I got ran over by a train - is bed head considered a style?  If so, that's my style as of lately.

My morning sickness has pretty much passed, although I still do get nauseous from time to time.    In its place, I have these excruciating all day headaches a few times a week that I can't get rid of.  I took a regular strength Tylenol, and that was the equivalent of throwing a glass of water at a burning building, so I'm just trying to ignore them.  Mind over matter, right?  Errr...cept when your mind is throbbing!!!

I go through a plethora of emotions on a daily basis.  I'm excited, scared, happy, sad, frantic, calm, and many more emotions all at the same time.  I think this second trimester is supposed to get better with everything, so I'm hoping that helps with my emotions.  Overall, I'm overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation, but every other emotion in between comes out on a daily basis.

The crazy vivid dreams have started happening here and there.  I get confused when I wake up as to where I really am and what just really happened.  The line between reality and dream land are kind of blurred.  The dreams are just ... so REAL.

I am starting to show a bit in my regular clothes, but not enough to look pregnant.  I just look like I've developed a wee bit of a beer gut.  Perfect :-).  I always wondered how the beer gut style would look on me, and now I've got my answer!

I have pregnant brain like you wouldn't believe.  I can't remember things, I tell the same story more than once to the same person (and only realize it because of their face reactions...most people are too kind to tell me to shush it), I lose things, I'm constantly scatter brained, etc, etc..  Last night at my volleyball game, one of the guys came up and gave me a high 5 after the play was over and said "Great job, that was awesome", and I had to ask him what I did because I already forgot.  Immediately.  It's just that fast.  I guess I'm living in the immediate now, no past what-so-ever.

As far as Baby H goes, he/she is now about the size of my clenched fist, and is developing hair this week.  Hmm...maybe some peach fuzz...I'm pretty sure Baby H is going to be a bald baby like his/her Momma and Daddy were!

Sorry that I don't have any pictures with this post...I'll take some soon showing off my belly and post them.  That is, if I remember!!!

Off to go find something ... what I'm not sure ... I already forgot what I lost.  Besides my sanity, and I can't find that anywhere!!

End of Week 11

Yesterday was our 12 week checkup.  At 11 weeks and 2 days.  My brain is already dumb enough without any extra help, but they want to see me every 4 weeks, even if it doesn't align on the 4 week marks of my pregnancy.  I was hoping that we'd get another ultra sound, but the doctor could hear the babies heart beat loud and fast through the doppler thing, so there wasn't any need.  Booo!!

Although, it was super cool hearing the heartbeat again.  The little person in there's got a strong and healthy heartbeat, which was music to our ears.  We're pretty much in the green from this point forward, which was really good news to hear!

I'm two + weeks behind in getting these pictures up, but...better late than never.  I took these pics of me at 9 weeks pregnant.  I think...it might've been 10 weeks.  I can't remember anymore (story of my life, I swear).

Yes, I know the headless pictures are creepy, but I can't figure out a way to take a picture of my head and belly at the same time...when Chris is done with school, I make him get on the 'taking pictures of my belly' bandwagon.  Till then, you get headless Kara.

I'm on the fence about belly pictures with my tee up...I have mixed feelings about it, but for now I'll post them...they might disappear here shortly, so enjoy them while they're up!

From my visit yesterday, total weight love gained for baby Hart : 2 lbs.  (Thanks for the reference E!)

Until next time...

Exasterbating the Situation - Week 10

I've got a million things to post on, but I'm too tired to post them.

My belly is starting to show more, and I can actually feel a hard bump.  It's weird...lumpy bellies are normally flabby.  I can't stop rubbing or touching it.  Maybe it's like a budda or something and will bring me good luck and good fortune.

I played some beach vball this weekend.  My equilibrium is already way off.  I'd pass a ball, take a seat, and then get up to hit the ball.  Poor Chris asked if I was up and ready to hit almost every play I got served.  I even sort of tripped over my own two feet going to hit a ball and got called out by one of our friends.  I mean, I'm goofy and clumsy to start off with, but I can normally stand on my own two feet without falling down.

I painted the bathroom too and had to have Chris come in to finish up the top of the walls.  I tried to get up on the ladder and after almost falling down it a few times, decided that just wasn't in the cards for me.  I wear this darth vador looking mask too to protect bambino from the paint fumes.  I really sound like darth vador too...you can hear me breathing heavily, and it drives Kodi nuts.  Poor Kodi-man!

Today, for a snack, I went into the fridge to grab an apple.  I came back and couldn't find my water anywhere, and just gave up.  A few hours later I went back to the fridge to make a sandwich and found my full cup of water with ice in it next to the apples in the fridge.  Apple came out, already cold water went in. 

I'm hungry all of the time now too, which is new.  Previously, I had to eat every 2ish hours to keep from getting sick, but now I just want to eat constantly.  My morning/all day sickness is starting to ease, although I do get nauseous still at times.  I'm starting to get a little bit more energy in bursts, but it definitely doesn't hang around for very long.  All I really want to do is eat and sleep.  How unlike me is that?!

They say by or around week 12 I'll start to feel a huge difference.  Two more weeks...I can do it!!

I want to post on my run out in San Fran, but that's the post I'm too tired to write about...which is slightly annoying because I have it all written out in my brain.  And if it's in there now, it won't be in there for long because I can't remember anything anymore.  I told Chris he should introduce himself to new people in case I forget his name.  Poor Chris...he's being such a good sport about it all too!

Lunch break is over...back to work!