16 Week Bump-date!

 I think it is finally safe to say that we have hit the point of no more nausea! Woohoo! I still have random food aversions, but the boat I have been feeling like I am floating on for the past 10 weeks has officially left port! Bon voyage...jerk! LOL Now I am compensating for not being able to eat much, and I am hungry ALL the time. I try to eat small meals all day long to keep my blood sugar up and it seems to help. I love that I love food again! I was starting to worry that my relationship with good grub was ruined forever! In other news, my back pain and sciatica still continue to get worse. Yep, doc was right! It doesn't look like I will be having any type of relief from that until after baby is born. 

This week started all the really neat changes in baby's development. Baby can now hear our voices and can sense light being shined on my belly! How cool is that?! I need to start playing some good country music in the house more often! This baby will be born a Garth Brooks fan! ;)

How far along: 16 weeks

Gender Prediction: I get to find out in 12 days! OMG! Still team blue! What do you think it is?

Weight gain: Weighed myself this morning and I have gained 2 pounds this week! Yes!!!

Maternity clothes: Trying to wear what I have, but I think I might have to invest in some maternity tops soon...all my shirts are starting to get stretched out!

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In...for now!

Sleep: Good, but occasional bouts of insomnia. I try to just relax, but I have so much on my mind.

Best moment this week: Finally getting to spend some time with my best friend/sister-in-law, Jenny! She came up on friday and we just bummed on the couch for hours and talked and laughed. :) It was some much-needed girl time.

Worst moment this week: As we were getting ready to go to bed Thursday night I got the bloody nose from Hell! :( It was never ending and no fun...why did no one warn me that pregnancy can cause rhinitis?! lol

Miss anything: I have been craving alcohol all week...I just want a beer or a margarita! Haha

Movement: Here and there...I can tell a difference when I eat something sugary! Baby is like "Whooo!"

Cravings: Milk, cereal, fruit, sourdough bread...oh and chocolate milk! Brian bought me some Ovaltine and I can't get enough of it! Yum!

Anything make you queasy or sick: I still don't really care for the smell of cooking meat, but other than that feeling great!

Looking forward to: Seeing baby at our ultrasound...its been 6 weeks or so since our last one, so I can't wait to see how much baby has changed and grown!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't give up hope...it's true that nothing lasts forever. I was so depressed about my morning sickness, and now that it's gone it seems like a distant memory. Just keep swimming!

15 Week Bump-date!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I baked funfetti cupcakes for Brian, and he had chocolate covered strawberries delivered to me, so I was definitely a happy preggo! (Just trying to put on that missing weight of course ;) hehehe) Other than the back pain and headaches, I felt pretty good this week! I can't believe how quickly time is starting to fly! We had another appointment on Tuesday where we heard baby's heartbeat (142 bpm) and asked the doc some questions. She said my sciatica is only going to get worse, so she's going to see about sending me to a physical therapist. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing if that helps! We scheduled our appointment for next month which will be one of the most exciting days of my life...the gender reveal ultrasound! I seriously cannot wait!

How far along: 15 weeks

Gender Prediction: Still thinking its a little boy...so happy that we will find out soon!

Weight gain: Finally gained that last pesky pound, so I'm officially at my pre-baby weight! Woohoo! Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes...I'm absolutely loving that I get to gain weight on purpose...bring on the ice cream! However, I know I will be whistling a different tune come August! :oP

Maternity clothes: Still in my bum clothes!

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In...but looking very shallow these days!

Sleep: Soooo much better this week! 

Best moment this week: Spending Valentine's Day evening and this weekend with my love. :) I know soon our alone time will be few and far between so I'm trying to remember to soak in this time while it's still just us two!

Worst moment this week: A 24 hour migraine early in the week had me practically in tears. No fun!

Miss anything: I could totally go for a turkey sandwhich...missing deli meats!

Movement: Yes! Little one has been having midnight dance parties in my belly...looks like we're going to have a little night owl! Ut-oh!

Cravings: Milk, cereal, smoothies, sourdough bread (random right?), and macaroni and cheese

Anything make you queasy or sick: Red meat...ugh.

Looking forward to: Finding out what baby's gender so we can figure out the nursery and register!

Weekly Wisdom: Pray, pray, pray, and PRAY! This is experience has brought me so much closer to God, and praying to Him has really given me strength and kept me smiling! :)

14 Week Bump-date!

I am pleased to report that, although I'm still not feeling up to par, this has been a MUCH better week than the last few! :) I am still not gaining weight (but I bet you won't believe me by this weeks belly pic! haha) and still in a lot of pain, but I'm finding ways to cope. To be honest, I guess I've kind of just reached to point of acceptance. I'm not going to feel like "me" for a while, and that's okay. Meeting our little bundle this summer will make it all worth it! 

How far along: 14 weeks

Gender Prediction: Totally gave birth to a beautiful little boy in a dream last night! He had a full head of dark hair and was soooo cute! :)

Weight gain: Staying steady at a pound under my pre-baby weight. 

Maternity clothes: I'm going to try the yoga pants and bella band thing as long as I can!

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Mostly cruddy, but some good nights. 

Best moment this week: Raspberry cheesecake. OMG.

Worst moment this week: Every time I throw up it feels like, "It has been 2 0 days since our last bathroom episode." Just when I think the morning sickness is gone, it comes back in all it's glory!

Miss anything: Brian has been making coffee lately and every time I'm like "Mmmmm that smells soooo good!" Definitely missing my coffee. Decaf just doesn't taste the same to me.

Movement: Still feeling the little fishy sometimes...mostly at night. :)

Cravings: Milk, cereal, potato salad, and my moms macaroni salad! (Which I made today and is totally deee-licious!)

Anything make you queasy or sick: Still the scent of cooking meat and red meat in general.

Looking forward to: We have another doctor's appointment on Tuesday...I love hearing little baby's heartbeat! Oh, and at this appointment we will schedule our ultrasound where we will get a gender reveal! Yay! It's like waiting for Christmas!

Weekly Wisdom: Lean on your husband and the people you consider your support system. It really makes a difference to know that you have friends and family loving you through the mood swings and bad days! Just make sure you are reminding them how much you appreciate them, even if your hormones are suggesting otherwise!

13 Week Bump-date!

Well, after some super long praying sessions and a lot of thought, I made a doctor's appointment this week to talk to them about my sciatica pain, migraines, and the fact that...oh joy...my morning sickness has decided to make a glorious comeback! Morning Sickness: 2 Ashlee: 0. So, my Mom took me in to offer some support, and once I explained my situation, my doctor did not even hesitate to put me back off of work. Sciatica is no joke, and in pregnancy it gets 100 times worse. Being in constant pain like that puts a lot of stress on me and baby, which is no bueno! Since I can't take anything safe for the pain, I have no choice but to bed rest my booty (literally) as much as possible.

 It's super frustrating to be in excruciating pain from doing something as small as putting away groceries, but Brian has been immensely supportive and understanding. He's trying to keep up with the housework I can't do and when some kind of food actually sounds good, you better believe he makes sure I get it! All I have to say is...God bless the Girl Scouts! ;) This pregnancy is kicking my ass, but I'm trying my best to not let it get me down! I only have 6 more months (maybe less!) to go, and we will be meeting this little one! I cannot wait for this summer!

Please excuse my hair in this pic! We have been having ridiculous wind here in the desert and it makes the static in the house go nuts! I always look like I just rubbed a helium ballon on my head! :oP

How far along: 13 weeks

Gender Prediction: Still leaning toward little boy blue!

Weight gain: Still haven't gained any weight. Boo.

Maternity clothes: PJ pants and bella bands over jeans

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Not a good report here...my back pain has me tossing and turning most nights. Oh, and the 3am bathroom breaks don't help!

Best moment this week: My mom getting to hear little one's heartbeat at my appointment was one of the most heart-swelling moments of my life! So neat!

Worst moment this week: Puke city :(

Miss anything: Feeling like me lol

Movement: Definitely feeling a little fishy swimming every once in a while! I can't wait to feel stronger movements soon!

Cravings: Milk, frozen yogurt, and avocado

Anything make you queasy or sick: Mostly strong smells, but sometimes EVERYTHING! I got queasy in the shower this morning because of the scent of my conditioner! I know...so weird!

Looking forward to: Finding out if baby Tibbetts is a he or a she! We should find out in about a month!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't be afraid to utilize your doctor for advice or help...it's what they are there for and they will be on your team!

12 Week Bump-date

Well, this has definitely been the most stressful week of my pregnancy so far. I went back to work on Tuesday, and suddenly being stuck home with morning sickness didn't seem so bad anymore! Getting up at 4:30 am was killer, and then spending an 8 hour shift in a desk chair brings another world of problems! Once we got home around 5:15 pm I would take a shower and bed in bed fast asleep by 6:00.  Not my idea of a fun day! :( I attempted to push through the rest of the week, but by 12:30 pm on Friday, my sciatica pain reached a whole new level and I couldn't even focus or sit still. I had Brian pick me up early so I could rest it my back and leg. Sooo, it's back to the drawing board we go! I want to keep working, but we're thinking that maybe going part time would be the best things for me considering my sciatica pain is only going to get worse as my belly gets bigger! Boo. 

In lighter happier news, we picked BABY NAMES! Yaysies!!! We have decided on two boys names and two girls names, and the day baby is born we will pick on of the two. :) Sorry though, we are not revealing our choices. Since we decided to find out the gender, we figured we have to keep something a surprise for baby's birthday. I can't wait!

How far along: 12 weeks

Gender Prediction: Still Team Blue...although, so far, all the "Old Wives Tales" point to girl! (Craving sweets, bad morning sickness, and baby's heart beat being over 140 bpm are all signs that it's a girl!)

Weight gain: I'm still staying steady at 2 lbs under my weight before pregnancy...hoping that now that the morning sickness is virtually gone I will start seeing that scale climb!

Maternity clothes: Got a Bella Band and OMG! It's the coolest thing ever! You can wear any pair of pants unbuttoned and it keeps them right up!

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Since I've been back to work exhaustion has reached a whole new level...so, yes....I'm sleeping GREAT!

Best moment this week: Picking names for our little plum!

Worst moment this week: My four shifts at work were pretty horrid. :(

Miss anything: Not being in pain all the time...

Movement: Nothing since I felt it last week, but still looking for it. I can't wait to feel baby's movements as he or she gets bigger!

Cravings: Fruit, milk, ice cream, and gummy bears!

Anything make you queasy or sick: Still getting queasy at night, especially if I'm really tired, but for the most part the morning sickness is gone...finally!

Looking forward to: Watching my bump grow...I feel like I really popped this week so it's been pretty neat to see what a difference just one night can make!

Weekly Wisdom: Starting to realize just how much God is telling me to listen to my body and what it needs! Trying to slow down and realize I can't do it all...I deserve to ENJOY my pregnancy!

11 Week Bump-date!

This week has been a crazy one, but I've been able to get a lot of rest in. We had an ultrasound on Monday, the 13th and got to see our little nugget in action! Baby was so wiggly that the doctor could not get a good picture! Kind of a bummer, but happy to see a little active, growing baby! Heart rate was a strong 162 bpm, and my due date moved from the 7th to the 4th of August! Yay! My money is on a late July baby though...I just have a feeling we won't make it to August! 

In other news, Brian being the kind, sweet, amazing hubby that he is bought me the body pillow of my dreams AND a baby name book! He so totally rocks! It's the coolest baby name book I have ever seen! Each name has spelling variations, meaning, spiritual connotation, and a scripture from the Bible! Be still my heart! I'm having fun flipping through and can't wait to really dive in and start picking the ones I love the most. We decided that we are going to have a girl's and boy's name picked before we find out the gender, just to be fair. :) 

And now, the 11 week bump-date!

How far along: 11 weeks

Gender Prediction: Ok, I think I officially switched over to Team Blue...I'd put money on it being a boy now!

Weight gain: Lost a pound this week...I have no idea how with all the frosting I've been eating by the spoon-full, but I'm trying to eat more.

Maternity clothes: None, but we are going on a Target trek tomorrow, so I think I might get a couple of things for work.

Stretch marks: Nope

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: MUCH better with my new body pillow...it's seriously a preggo's BFF!

Best moment this week: Seeing our little peanut dancing around the screen! Love good appointments!

Worst moment this week: Stressing about going back to work on Monday...not to sure how this will pan out, but I have to try!

Miss anything: Even though meat mostly sounds so gross to me, I could totally go for a Quizno's turkey ranch melt! This whole "no deli meat" thing is getting to me. :(

Movement: Felt the tiniest little butterfly wing in my abdomen a couple of days ago while doing my pregnancy yoga! It stopped me in my tracks! I can't wait to feel stronger movement as baby grows!

Cravings: Still fruit...smoothies are my fav!

Anything make you queasy or sick: Still can't eat meat, but its getting a little easier to smell it now.

Looking forward to: Second trimester is just around the corner! Glory! Hallelujah! 

Weekly Wisdom: Yoga DVDs for pregnancy are amazing! It's kinda strange at first, but I feel so much better after I do it and it helps with sleeping and headaches!

10 Week Bump-date!

Here's the 10 week bump-date! So happy to finally have reached double digits...only 3 more weeks of the first trimester! This week has been a roller coaster for me emotionally and physically; those hormones are definitely going crazy! This coming week should be my last one off of work, so I'm looking forward to relaxing and enjoying my last week of peace and quiet! :)

How far along: 10 weeks

Gender Prediction: Been 100% thinking that it's a girl, but suddenly this week I'm leaning toward boy! Eeeep...I just don't know! lol

Weight gain: I still haven't gained back my pre-baby weight, but I only have a few more pounds to go! 

Maternity clothes: None yet; still just PJs and yoga pants...I know, I'm so stylish!

Stretch marks: Nope...fingers crossed!

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Starting to toss and turn from back and hip pain. I definitely need to invest in a body pillow A.S.A.P!

Best moment this week: Actually having enough energy to clean my house! It was starting to look like a Febreeze commercial!

Worst moment this week: My bad nausea coming back for a few days sucked...it was like two steps forward one step back. :(

Miss anything: I miss not stressing about what I'm going to eat next. It's ridiculous how bad my aversions get sometimes. Boo.

Movement: Still too tiny!

Cravings: Hit a new low this week and started eating vanilla frosting right out of the can. I want fruit alllllll the time and anything sweet!

Anything make you queasy or sick: Meat of all kinds and sometimes anything. After 6pm everything sounds crappy. :(

Looking forward to: Tomorrow's ultrasound! Can't wait to see how much our little one has changed!

Weekly Wisdom: Get a body pillow the day you find out you are preggo. I am totally regretting not having one right now!