18 Week Update

Here I am - at 18 glorious weeks! I think I am finally starting to "show", although I'm not sure strangers would know that I'm expecting. Oh well. I'm still wearing my "regular" clothes - which I am starting to outgrow. Looks like maternity shopping is in my future.

This week I started to feel some light movement or "quickening." I usually feel it when I'm lying on the couch or as I'm falling asleep. It's amazing, but I'm really looking forward to the day Tyson will be able to feel the movement, too.

My days of freedom are winding down. I've spent some time in the classroom and it's looking cute! (thanks, Brooke, for your help!) I think it will be fun to hear some first grade perspective on my pregnancy throughout the semester. Kids definitely don't hold back...

I have attempted to start the baby registry. Unlike my wedding registry - I've spent hours researching products, reading reviews, and contacting friends about products they have for their little ones. I just can't believe how much there is to know! I feel like it's impossible to make decisions, because I'm constantly looking for "the best", "the safest", "the most functional". I may be fighting a losing battle. Advice and words of wisdom are welcome!

Visit to the Dog Park

Could we do this with the Purdue fight song?

I can't believe I'm doing this...

We've decided that we will have the baby's gender sealed in an envelope and opened with our families during Labor Day Weekend. I brought the idea up to Tyson (just thinking out loud) and he thought it was great. Now, I'm wondering if I will be able to handle it. What was I thinking?

I know our parents will be VERY excited, so it will be fun to share that moment with them... But Tyson will have to be in charge of the envelope - because I will surely try to cheat.

Here is the poem I sent with the BIG REVEAL party invite:

It’s hard to believe, but YES - it’s true,

Just 22 more weeks ‘til Baby Becker is due.

One question remains – what will it be?

A Little League son or a future Alpha Phi?

We’ll soon find out, then we can’t wait to share,

Our good news with our family, we hope you’ll be there!

The Hunt is ON!

The hunt for Baby Becker's wheels has begun!

Back to First Grade

My mid-day naps are going to come to an end in a week or two. I'm heading back to the classroom for a long-term medical leave in first grade. I am thankful for the opportunity to be back at Barnard (where I taught last year). Hopefully, the teacher I will be in for - will have a speedy recovery and will be back before Baby Becker decides to arrive in January. (crossing my fingers)

Needless to say, Cooper and Tucker will NOT be happy about this news. Their world is turning upside down - and they don't even realize it yet. 

Hip Replacement

When you are 27, you don't think you will wake up one morning with a throbbing right hip. Thank God, my little brother is working for an orthopedic company - because I feel like I may need a replacement.  (Jon, can I get a family discount?)

When you get pregnant people LOVE to tell you ALL about the "morning sickness" heading your way. They fail to mention all of the other weird aches and pains a pregnant woman experiences throughout the 9+ months.  After doing some research (I could write a book), I discovered that my body is producing a hormone to help my joints "relax" and loosen up for the birth. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty painful - but of course, it's also VERY worth it! 

16 Week Bump & the Dogs' thoughts...

Dear Tom Cruise:

Can I borrow your ultrasound machine? Because the suspense is KILLING me!

We had our appointment this morning and everything was GREAT! The baby had a strong little heartbeat of 160bpm. (old wives tale points to girl) The doctor found it fairly quickly and then the baby (being like his/her father) decided to move - so the doctor had to search for it again. We have an active one!

We scheduled our BIG ultrasound for September 2nd! I can't believe it is so close - but I hate waiting. So, seriously - if anyone has Tom on speed dial...  

We can't wait to share the news with everyone over Labor Day weekend! No doubt - the Grandma's are going to have a heyday shopping! 

Over 15 weeks

We are closing in on 4 months of pregnancy! Yay! After a rough week last week - this week has been AWESOME! I have more energy, less gagging, and NO sickness! I am also starting to see the start of a bump - which to the rest of the world just looks like I ate too many donuts/Egg McMuffins (which is true, but shhhh).  I have also felt some rumblings that make me think - "WHAT was that?" Last night as I was falling asleep, I felt some weird popping sensation. Hmmm. 

This weekend we are going back to Warsaw to see my family and some family friends! We will also have Family Pictures taken as a gift to my parents for their 30th Anniversary, later this month. 

Tyson and I are looking forward to my 16 week appt on Monday! He will get to meet my doctor and hear the heartbeat for the first time! 

Visiting Family

I had a great time visiting my Mom's side of the family last weekend! This is our "family pic" (minus a few). If it looks like my Grandpa was scared of Hank - he was - and for good reason! It's always fun to experience "life on the farm" and raid my aunt's HUGE pantry!

Baseball

Baby Becker is now the size of a baseball! This week s/he has developed joints in his/her legs and arms...which means s/he can move around even more (although I can't feel it yet). 

Next week, tiny bones in the ears will form and the baby will be able to hear me. Which means - I need to work on cleaning up my potty mouth!  

Tag Team

This weekend I took a trip down to Madison to visit my mom's side of the family. I went down with Joe, Gina, and their bloodhound, Hank. The four hour trip was going well until we reached Franklin. Hank must have gotten carsick, because all of the sudden he was gagging out the window. I had a pillow up to my face to try and block out the smell/image of him puking. Without warning, he brought his head back inside the car and puked down the back of my seat and in the back seat, where Gina was sitting. Well - that was enough to send me into gagging convulsions. (I'm very sensitive right now) When we finally reached a gas station - Hank had finished, but I had just begun. It was rough. My dear, caring brother thought the whole thing was hysterical. Lesson learned: No more long car rides with a carsick hound 
while pregnant.