Week 4: Life Without Pants

Hooray! Here we go again! Although I am absolutely exhausted and my stomach is a wreck, I'm so happy to be here. I had my two blood tests this week to make sure my HCG "beta" was rising like it should. My first test was Monday 5/10 and my number was 850! Even higher than Frankie's number on the same day. My second test was Wednesday 5/12 and my number was 2151... a doubling time that is perfectly textbook. One more blood test next week and then, I wait for that first ultrasound.

This last weekend was Mother's Day. Daniel planned such a wonderful day for me. We started out hiking with Frankie in the Arboretum, followed by nap time (momma included... I don't make it through the days anymore without a nap). That night, he set up a babysitter and we went to have dinner down by the river at Smoky Park Supper Club. I wish I had more of an appetite these days, but it didn't matter. I had such a nice time relaxing by the river with him. I am pretty unhelpful around the house these days and it absolutely makes me feel guilty, but I am grateful for a husband that spoils me and a toddler that is a LITTLE more independent these days. Just a little.

Because of scheduling with Frankie and our embryo transfer, we were really unable to keep this baby a secret from our families this time. My parents, Daniel's folks, and my sister were all in on it every step of the way this time. And while I do miss the "surprise!" part, I am grateful for the extra help with Frankie as I basically cannot move from the couch most days. 

How far along? 4 weeks

Maternity clothes? Honestly? Sometimes. Daniel got my maternity boxes out of the closet for me because I was complaining about jeans. I put on a pair of maternity leggings and all was well.
Stretch marks? No
Ankle Watch: Still the slim, gorgeous ankles I was born with.
Sleep: A mixed bag- anxiety and my bladder wake me up early some days, others I cant keep my eyes open.
Best moment(s) this week: Beta number calls and Mother's Day adventures
Miss Anything? I live in Asheville.... brewery central. I miss beer already.  
Movement: No, thank goodness.
Food cravings: Cravings? No. Food is gross. Goldfish crackers, Trader Joe's White Cheddar Popcorn, and chocolate chip cookies are all that sustain me at this point. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Afternoons. Pretty much any time after 2pm, I don't feel great.
Gender: No idea.
Labor Signs: No.
Pregnancy Symptoms: Nausea, bloating, exhaustion. It seems to have all hit a lot faster than last time.... either that or I'm just not able to rest as much as I did with before thanks to the toddler.
Belly Button in or out? In.
Rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody. So tried and nauseous.  
Looking forward to: That first ultrasound! Waiting during this process is so excruciating!

Mother's Day Adventures