17 Weeks



 

 



• How far along? 17 weeks

 

• Baby Size: She's the size of a tangy pomegranate! (5 inches and weighs 5 oz.)

 

• Weight gain: None yet, I've lost weight due to morning sickness

 

• Maternity Clothes: Not really but maxi dresses are the most comfortable thing in the world right now!

 

• Stretch Marks: None

 

• Sleep: Yes, it's the greatest thing! I only wake up once or twice to use the restroom.

 

• Gender: Girl

 

• Movement: None yet, a few flutters here and there.

 

• Best moment this week: Visiting with Blake's family and showing off the bump! Hogan is so loved.

 

• Looking forward to: My anatomy scan this afternoon. I can't wait to see her wiggling around!

 

• Food Cravings: Ice cream sandwiches.

 

• Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing weird to report.

 

• Anything making you queasy or sick: On our way to Dallas this past weekend I ate an egg biscuit and that made me queasy, but other than that it's been smooth sailing since week 13. 

 

• Labor Signs: Nope.

 

• What I miss: Sleeping soundly throughout the entire night, and not feeling out of breath after bending down.

 

• Workouts: I've been terrified to workout, but I think I might head to the gym later this week, we'll see.

And Then There Were Three

   After three and a half years of praying, crying, and many months of fertility treatments I am thrilled to announce that Blake and I are expecting a baby girl in October!

   On January 25, 2014 I took a pregnancy test and this was what I saw:

 



  So, for the past four months I have been keeping this huge secret. I feel relieved now that my coworkers and students know why I've been feeling so bad. I have felt some relief now that we are safely in the second trimester, (17 weeks) but I am not afraid to admit that my bed and bumpnest pillow are my best friends.

  Thank you to those who have prayed over us, sent me personal emails of encouragement, and to my family members who kept our secret from the world, even when all we wanted to do was rejoice in His blessing.

  We have chosen the name Hogan (my maiden name) Virginia (my mother's name) for our daughter. I look forward to documenting my pregnancy thru the blog.

Pray More, Worry Less

   So, I've been on a little hiatus and I needed it. I am feeling like I have nothing to write about. Normally I try to keep this as a journal, maybe even a diary, but when I put my feelings and thoughts out "there" people whom I know in real life are able to read about what's going on inside of me, and that is hard at times. I will start by saying that I didn't ever want this blog to be about my infertility, it sort of just happened because I am struggling with infertility and it's on my mind 45% of everyday.

   I took a blogging break to begin in vitro fertilization. We began as soon as my most recent miscarriage ended. When I first took the hiatus I was planning on writing this blog post about the whole process and post pictures of my injection site, the embryos, all of the medications, and then finally a picture of our little baby or babies first ultrasound picture. God had other plans for us. After two failed cycles of IVF we are here, not pregnant.

   My husband and I have learned a lot about our faith, our love for each other, and that God will take care of us. There has been heartache yes, and I have been weak, but with God's grace I have the strength to continue on this journey. Right now after three and a half years of negative pregnancy tests, and of positive pregnancy tests that ended with angels in Heaven, we need a break.

  During IVF I had to take a break from my weight loss goals and wasn't doing anything in the gym, so now I am focusing on my fitness journey, again. Blake has been incredibly supportive and takes a late lunch to go to the gym with me (mainly because I am terrified of lifting weights alone...for now).
I am enjoying this time of rest and nurturing my body through exercise and lots of prayer.



Hiatus

   I promise I haven't forgotten about my blog. The past two almost three months have been crazy. I promise to catch all of you up during the holidays when I will actually have time to blog. Thank you to my faithful readers who have emailed me to check in. Have a great week!



What I'm Loving Wednesday

 

Here are a few things I am loving this Wednesday. I am basically feel Halloween, and I love it!

 

 

Britney's new song, Work Bitch. I love it.

 

This gif:

My feelings about my infertility journey.

 Source

 

Thanks to my mother-in-law I've been going to weekly acupuncture appointments! I can not express how much I enjoy them.

 

I know this picture is small, but I love this jacket found here.

 

What are you loving today?

Fall TV Favorites

   I am so thankful for Fall television. All summer long I anticipate their return, and yes I can always count on True Blood to tie me over until then. Here are a few of my most favorite shows.

Criminal Minds

Ya'll, for real this is my favorite television show, I can't get enough. Dr. Spencer Reid is amazing, every episode is different and it's one of those shows that you don't have to watch every episode to get it, although, duh, I do.

 

 

CSI: Vegas

 

I am a forever fan of this entire franchise but sadly the OG is the only one still on air. I love it, it's again a show that you don't have to consistently watch to know what's going on or to appreciate the plot line. I miss the old cast, a lot, but am learning to enjoy the new members.

 

American Horror Story: Coven

 

I can't even begin to describe to you how excited I am for this premiere tomorrow night. I have the highest of expectations for this season. First, I am obsessed with all things horror, voodoo, creepy, haunted... you get the idea. Second, New Orleans is my favorite place on the planet. Seriously. I think the cast is incredible, I know Ryan Murphy is a genius, surely nothing can be bad about this season. Really, I am super excited!

 

Hostages

 

This is so far my favorite NEW show. I thought that after the first episode there possibly couldn't be anything else to explore as far as the story line goes, but the second episode just got better and better. I am loving it thus far. And yes, Dylan McDermott does often favorite and or like my tweets because I am super in love with him, but that is not the only reason I watch. This is a great show!

 

The Mindy Project

 

 

This show is hilarious, like really laugh out loud funny. Blake and I discovered it late into the season last year but it quickly became our favorite Tuesday night show. I have been a fan of hers since The Office and in this show she truly shines. I believe she is the funniest person on the planet so if you're not watching you should.

 

Boardwalk Empire

 

This is my Sunday night favorite. This is an old picture, lots of these characters aren't there anymore. I love the era and I am fascinated every episode. Great watch, and incredible acting!

 

What are some of your favorite shows? Is there something I need to be watching that I'm not?

Little Things

   Lately I have been giving thanks for the little things that we often take for granted. Have you ever felt that your heart lacked gratitude? Well, I have. I've found myself becoming bitter, often resentful, and I've now reminded myself that not only am I saved by His grace, but I am lucky. When I think that my boss is not treating me fairly I remind myself that I am blessed to have a job and a boss who has feedback for me. When driving behind someone whom I believe is driving poorly, I thank God that I have a car, and am capable of driving. Sometimes it's the tiniest things that need the most thanks.
   With so much chaos and uncertainty in this world I'm certain of one thing, I am blessed, and saved by His great sacrifice. Remember that. We all have much to be thankful for, even in these troubled times.