13 weeks, 5 days, February 13 2015

Well babe, we're in our 13th week; and all is well! Youre about the size of a peach, about 2.9 inches. Momma is doing really well, and feeling safe about you! 

As you can see in the pictures, the crib is gone, and we're awaiting our new one in about 8 weeks. It's so gorgeous, I cant wait! 

Symptoms:

This week I havent had any negative symptoms. No ocular migraines this week, Ya!
I am still tired in the evenings and go to bed around 9pm now. My energy level is ok, but I havent got the "boost" that some Mom's talk about.
Im not as ravenously hungry as I was, but I find that I require more frequent snacks, which is manageable.
I am feeling achy, especially in my knees. I find that so unusual, but upon talking to my other preggo Mommas, found out that that is totally normal (Lacy & Steph, it's so wonderful to share our pregnancy experience together). Steph also informed me of some of the reasons why joints  and ligaments ache during pregnancy, which was really informative!

I am now taking iron supplements, as I was deficient. 

My belly still hasnt popped! I hope that it might within the next 2 weeks as we're going to MEXICO with the whole family: Mom, Dad, Kylie, Cam, Chase, and Jersey! It was hard for us to find a place that worked for all of our budgets and interests, but we finally found and agreed upon this one: vhttp://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g154267-d1725906-Reviews-Marival_Resort_Suites-Nuevo_Vallarta_Pacific_Coast.html. Im really looking forward to the trip, and I think it's a unique opportunity for us all to go together!

I had to go out and purchase new swimwear as my medium swim suit (tops especially) were too small. Im not ready to wear maternity suits, yet (Im not sure I ever want to wear maternity swim wear, haha). 

Today was the first day that I wore maternity clothes! I wore maternity jeans and all of a sudden everyone realized that Im pregnant! One co-worker in particular was staring at me while I was talking to her, she responded to my question by saying how adorable I looked. It was a really sweet interaction and made me feel good. Patients at work also commented on how it appears that Im really showing now, but I think it's mainly just the maternity jeans that created the illusion. Either way, Ill take it! Im so happy to be pregnant! Im still able to wear most of my stretchy work slacks (with an elastic waist band) and Lulus on the weekend. 

Ive gained about 5 pounds, and I feel well and healthy! 

I feel like the baby has moved up a bit out of my pubic area, in regard to where Im able to find his or her heartbeat. It's pretty cool to be able to check the heart beat on my own and gage where the baby is. Im no longer using the doppler on a daily basis. I was much more reassured after our 12 week ultrasound, and since have only used the doppler once. I like having it available though. 

I have scheduled our maternity photo session, for 33 weeks (20 more to go!) with Kristen from Shima Studios, http://shimastudios.ca/. I am in love with her work and so pleased to book our maternity and future newborn photoshoot with her (Im grateful too, that we can afford it). 

Ive joined a Facebook group, for Summer 2015 IVF Mommies. I find it helpful to share, and connect with others who are going through the same process and journey. 

Thanks again for following along. 

Love, Brandi xo