Week 23

Pink, purple, long hair, tutus, lace, pig tails, pony tails, dresses, skirts, ruffles, bows, Hello Kitty, flowers, and butterflies... Now that we've had a week to let it all sink in, we are starting to realize that we are having a baby girl!

Week 23 has been interesting and productive. I'm sorry to say that I don't have a baby size "fruit" or "man object" picture to post this week. Apparently, the baby will be the size of a papaya and mini football until week 25.

A new pregnancy symptom has surfaced! I got two "Charlie horses" in my calf in the middle of the night this week! I was happily sleeping and out of nowhere, my calf muscle felt like it was going to tear off into two pieces. The Charlie horse lasts for a few minutes, but those few minutes are pure agony and pain. Jimmy wakes up and helps me try to massage the muscle, but nothing ever helps. Then my calf hurts for a few days, so sometimes it feels like I'm limping. Argh, it's really annoying...

We've been doing a lot of baby research this week; it's finally about that time to get some baby items! We finally picked out a stroller... it was almost as tough as buying a car, ha ha ha. There are so many to choose from! I'm also glad we started the search early because the stroller we like is backordered for several months. It's called a City Mini by Baby Jogger and we got the red one. It's small, light, easily foldable, sturdy, and easy to push. It also has a car seat attachment (which we also purchased), for newborns, so that's cool. Jimmy has the car seat narrowed down to a few models, so hopefully we'll get that soon too.

Mia's gonna be big pimpin' in her new ride...

I wonder if we can get dubs for the wheels?

Here's the Pac n Play we bought too... we'll use the bassinet feature and keep it in our bedroom for the first few months. It's really easy to move, so we can just wheel it out into the living area as we need it too. Jimmy picked the color. I wasn't too sure about the black, but now that it's in our apartment, it's pretty sleek looking. Jimmy made a good choice!

Jimmy has been reading pregnancy and parenting books, which is very sweet. However, it appears that the daddy themed books are way more interesting and funny that then books I've been reading. He's always cracking up and reading sections out loud to me that are hilarious. It's fun to think about what type of dad he's going to be. He always says that he's going to be very strict, but I know he's a softie at heart.

I've also found that Jimmy is more interested in buying baby clothes than anything else. Since we found out we were having a girl, I've had to drag him out of the baby clothes section. I also came home one day to see him looking up baby girl clothes on the internet. The funniest part was Jimmy telling me how he signed up for email subscriptions to Gymboree, the Gap, and The Children's Place. He was excited to inform me that now we'll get all the coupons and know about all the upcoming sales. Jimmy is so funny... but I'm so thankful he's so involved and interested in baby stuff.

Week 24

After dinner and ice cream belly shot!

Week 22

Miss Mia is now as big as a papaya!

According to the "Ultimate Man's Guide to Baby Sizes" she is also the size of a

Mini Football

Sorry for the late post... now that Jimmy's back in town, my Friday nights have been busy! Week 22 was a memorable week. I had my ultrasound on Friday and I am so excited I now know that we are having a little girl! It's so nice to say "her" and "she" now when talking about her. We also like to call her by her nickname name too, Mia. I think Jimmy and I are still recovering from the shock of finally finding out the gender.

It's been fun telling our family and friends. When I first got pregnant, Jimmy and I were sure that we were having a girl. But then, I took that gender test (at 12 weeks) which gave me a "boy" result. Most of the "old wives tales" also pointed to boy, so eventually, Jimmy and I were sure we were having a boy. Pretty much everyone in my family thought we were having a boy too. In addition, Jimmy's family is heavy in boy department. We were happily surprised!

We've had the name Amelia picked out for like 10 years and we just love the nickname Mia. Jane is part of my name, Mary Jane and it's a custom in the Filipino culture to keep your mother's maiden name, so that's were the Gadingan comes in. It's not hyphenated with Lehman; Gadingan will just be a second middle name. That’s where we got Amelia Jane Gadingan Lehman.

On Friday, we both took the afternoon off after the ultrasound. Since the NIH is just across the street from the hospital, we stopped by to tell my coworkers the good news. It was neat too because I could finally show Jimmy around the campus, show him where I work, and introduce him to my coworkers. After that, we went out to lunch to celebrate. Then... we went SHOPPING! We were mostly just looking, but found a few irresistible girly outfits for Mia. Three out of the four items we bought had cats on them... we are such dorks!

I also finally had to give in and we went bra and underwear shopping too... Jimmy is such a good sport. I think it's cute when he helps me pick out patterns and colors. I didn't want to get cheesy, over-priced maternity underwear, so we just went to Victoria Secret and I got larger size bras and undies. I won't reveal my new bra size, but dang, they are getting huge! The fact that my body is seriously changing is definitely sinking in! I've already gained 14 pounds!!!

I have a new craving, but it's terrible and very unhealthy... ROOT BEEER! It all started when Jimmy and I went out to eat. I usually get water, but we were sharing a drink and he got root beer knowing that I couldn't have caffeine. Well, since that taste, I have been craving it so badly! I told Jimmy that he is such a bad influence on me. Jimmy thinks it cool that Mia craves soda...just like him!

I've still been feeling tired and it doesn't take much to get me tired if I'm not.  I've also noticed that my hands and feet get numb easily.  Sometimes, if I've been up on my feet all day, my fingers feel swollen.  I can tell because at night when I take off my rings, they are really tight.  I can't really tell if my feet/ankles get swollen, but I don't think they've gotten to that point yet.  I have a little redness and tenderness in my cheeks, but I'm not sure if it's because of my new moisturizer or the pregnancy hormones.  

23 weeks

23 1/2 weeks

I'm starting to look very big!

Baby Mia

It's a GIRL!

Amelia Jane Gadingan Lehman

My ultrasound was yesterday and we are proud to announce that we are having a baby girl. We are thrilled, excited, surprised, happy, and everything else in between. We both secretly wanted a girl (but would have been happy with a boy), so we feel so very blessed with our little Mia.

The ultrasound was an interesting experience. The nurse was having a hard time getting pictures because little Mia was moving the whole time. She wouldn't sit still! The worst was that they make you drink 32 ounces of water before the appointment and you can't pee. I was dying; I needed to pee so badly during the appointment! It was hilarious because the nurse was like, "There's the baby's foot, oh, and there's your bladder... and that movement is your baby kicking your bladder!" I thought I was going to pee all over the table!

We happily counted fingers and toes, arms, legs, and examined the kidneys, heart, brain, etc. She is looking good and her heart rate was 154 bpm and she now weighs about 1.1 pounds.

The nurse asked us if we wanted to know the gender and we definitely said yes! Of course, as soon as she said girl, I cried so hard... I'm such a nerd. Jimmy was smiling from ear to ear. As soon I regained my composure, Jimmy and I did a fist bump and started laughing. It was a great moment.

The gender test was wrong... I want my money $29.99 back!

Today, May 1st, is actually our 15 year anniversary.  After a year of being "just friends," Jimmy made the bold move and "asked me out" on this day 15 years ago.  On that note, we've had our baby names picked out for about 10 years, ha ha ha.  It's funny how you think about something for so long and amazing when is actually happens.  I can't tell you all how blessed and lucky we are in life.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself because life is and has been so good for us.

Worst. Day. Ever. 4/28/10

1. Car was towed... and it was BS because there were no signs indicating it was a tow away zone
2.  We found out our rent was increasing by $400 a month, so now we're thinking of moving
3. Our one and only TV broke, during game 7 of the Capitals playoff series
4. The number one seed Capitals lost in game 7 to an eight seed team
5. I woke up to cat puke on my bed

Argh!

National Naval Medical Center & Update

National Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, MD

This is where our little Lehman will be born. I think labor and delivery is located on the 6th floor of the tall building in the picture. The hospital is located just a few blocks from the National Institutes of Health (where I currently work), so I've been fortunate enough to just walk to all my prenatal appointments. This location is ideal if I go into labor at work, ha ha ha. However, it's about a 15-20 minute drive (more if there's traffic) from our apartment.

In 2011, the National Naval Medical Center is going to combine with Walter Reed Army Medical Center (where Jimmy works) to create the Walter Reed National Military Hospital. So, the hospital will go through a name change after the baby is born.

I had a quick doctor's visit today... here's what they told me:

The baby is really low and has settled into the lower right region of my belly. This means little MJ is right on my bladder! This would explain the urge to pee every 45 minutes or so. The low positioning also explains the severe pains and cramping I feel on that side.

It took the doctor a few minutes to find the heartbeat because the baby was moving around so much during the exam...what a stinker! She was trying to reassure me that the baby was okay when she couldn't locate the heartbeat, but I told her I wasn't stressed out about it because I could feel the baby moving at that very moment. Baby's heart rate was 144 bpm.

Jimmy is TDY and will be at Fort Eustis for a few days...so he missed yet another appointment :( However, my big ultrasound appointment is on Friday and he'll be able to be there so we're very excited! Only 5 more days until we find out the gender!!!

Week 21

Baby MJ is as long as a Banana

According to the "Ultimate Man's Guide to Baby Sizes" the baby is also the size of a

Beer Bottle

 

Week 21 was a tough week. I've just been feeling exhausted, drained, and every other adjective that describes being tired. I feel like I’m still recovering from our vacation. I also had my first full week back to work since our vacation and work completely wears me out by the end of the day. However, I’ve changed my work schedule to 7:30am-4pm, so I’m happy that I get home pretty early now.

I’ve also been slowly getting back into my regular exercise routine. I took two weeks off while we were on vacation and that was a bad idea! I’m finding that I am out of breath and get fatigued much faster. To make matters worse, now that I’m much bigger, my workout clothes aren’t fitting quite right, so I’ll need to get some new maternity (or just larger) running shorts. It’s so frustrating right now! On the bright side, it’s been nice having Jimmy home, because now we can go to the park for outdoor workouts rather than go to the gym every time. He’s been nice enough to slow down to my sluggish pace. We’ve also been scoping out the paved running trails in our neighborhood park, so we know where we can take the jogging stroller once the baby arrives.

The kicks and movements have been non stop for the past few weeks. However, this past week, they’ve become so much stronger and physically powerful! Sometimes this baby makes me jump from my seat. The baby kicks a lot at night too, which makes it hard to fall asleep for more than a few hours.

I don’t really have cravings for lemonade anymore. My new thing is that I like to have dessert after every meal. I just need something sweet, even if it’s just a small piece of candy or fruit. I've also been noticing that my belly is getting wider; I almost have "love handles now!  My belly button has really popped as well.  It's not sticking out yet, but I know it will pop out soon!

We have really been looking into which baby items to purchase. It’s so overwhelming and foreign to us. We don’t really know what to look for! Everything is so expensive and we struggle with quality vs. cost. Everyone wants the best for their child, but at what price? I started looking at a stroller (Bugaboo was the brand) I really liked and when I saw the price it was $750 dollars!!!! I feel like these companies that sell baby items take advantage of people who don’t have a clue about anything baby related.

Well, that’s all for now, nothing too exciting to write about this week. We’ll find out the gender on Friday so we’re really excited for that… only 5 more days until we know if we’re having a Jameson or and Amelia!

Here’s my weekly belly shot

Week 22, day 3

Basic Officer Leadership Course

Well, it's been awhile since I (Jimmy) have posted a blog so I figured that I would catch everyone up on what I have been up to.  I just finished the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) for medical officers at Fort Sam Houston, TX.  The course was from Feb 1st - Apr 6th so I had to spend time away from Mary while she was pregnant.  I wish the scheduling could have been better, but I had to do the course and getting it over with as soon as possible is always the best way to go with these things. 

 The course itself was super easy compared to others that I have been through.  We learned basic command structure, troop leading procedures, levels of medical care and medical organizational structure just to name a few of the topics.  The most beneficial part of courses like this are the contacts you make for the future.  The Army is a very large organization, but the medical corps is pretty small compared to the rest and you would be surprised at how often you run into people you know. 

The majority of the course was done in the classroom but we did spend 3 weeks in the field.  I admit that I never look forward to that portion, but in the end it is always where you have the most fun.  I've added some pictures from the experience.

(Playing a game of Spades. We had days in the field where this is what we did ALL day.)

(Acting stupid with chemical gear on.)

(This stuff is normally a pain in the heat, but in the winter it isn't a problem at all.)

(Unpacking stuff in the tent.)

(Putting my gas mask together.)

(Some of our classes were in mass, so we did them in large auditoriums.)

(Posing with Jade and Amanda on our last day in the field.)

(On our "road march." I say that because we only had backpacks on and it was only 3.5 miles. Not too hard at all.)

(A snapshot during medical in-processing at Brooke Army Medical Center, my old work.)

(Coming out of the gas chamber. Not one of my favorite parts.)

(Like I said, we had wayyyyy too much free time on some days.)

(This was at the shooting range.  I got stuck filling magazines for awhile.)

(One of our many many formations.)

Week 20

Baby MJ is the size of a cantaloupe! 
A cantaloupe… wow, that’s huge. In fact, before writing this blog I watched Jimmy chop up a cantaloupe for me. I felt kind of weird about it, knowing our baby was the same size. It felt even wackier when I ate the whole thing! Yup, I ate the whole cantaloupe all by myself.  Does that mean I now have TWO cantalopes in my belly???

According to the "Ultimate Man's Guide to Baby Sizes" the baby is also the size of a

Good Size Boob.

Of course, Jimmy thought this was awesome.  Is a "good sized boob" the size of a cantaloupe??  Wow, that's the size of a gigantic boob to me!  I wonder what the ultimate man guide would say about my A cups??  (I'm guessing it would probably be week 12, a "good size Mary boob.")

Week 20 was an eventful week. I’m so glad it’s over and I can now say I’m more than half way through this pregnancy.

Most of the week, I was still in Washington hanging out with my family. My family was nice enough to have a baby shower for me last weekend. Jimmy was cool enough to join the ladies and participated in the baby games. In true Jimmy style, he became super competitive and it was hilarious. The funniest part about it was that he didn’t win a single game. He also shocked us all when he thought a baby bottle cleaner was a mini toilet bowl cleaner.

The biggest news is that during my 2 week vacation I “accidentally” gained 7-8 pounds! Ooops!!! I freaked out when I stepped on the scale. I couldn’t believe it! I had been feeling a lot of pressure, my belly and back was super itchy, and I was getting tired so easily. Oh yeah, and my belly button was sticking out more than usual. I figured it was because I pushing myself too hard because we were so busy during our vacation. Oh well, I just have to keep things under control from here on out.

Now that Jimmy’s back, we can finally focus on getting ready for this baby. We’ve been looking into all the baby items we will need. There is so much to choose from, so it’s very overwhelming. We don’t even know where to start!

It’s so nice to have Jimmy home with me. He’s really stepped it up and is taking good care of me. I know he’s trying to make up for the three months he was in Texas for training. He’s been cleaning, cooking, giving me massages, and basically just doing everything for me. I love it! I admit that I do take advantage of the situation, but hey… I deserve it ;0)

I’m hoping that getting back on my regular healthy food and exercise routine will give me some much needed energy and help me get my weight gain under control. I’ve been home since Wednesday and I’m already feeling better. I still have my cravings for Simply Lemonade and I’ve been peeing at least every hour (which is annoying, especially when we go out). Other than that, I am happy to say that I have no other weird symptoms to report!

Here a pic with my new, much larger belly!
21 Weeks

Week 19

Baby MJ is now the size of a Mango...my favorite fruit!

According to the "Ultimate Man's Guide to Baby Sizes" the baby is also the size of a

Softball

I'm so sorry this post is a few days late!  I didn't realize I had so many readers until Friday night when I received so many texts and emails asking me why I hadn't posted my usual Friday night blog.  I'm on vacation!  

Week 19 was a memorable one and as I start week 20, I'm glad to say that I'm now at the halfway point of my pregnancy.  Week 19 consisted of many firsts for baby MJ: 

- First flight (DC to San Antonio, TX) 

     -MJ was kicking throughout the take-off; I was worried the baby was getting uncomfortable!

- First time to hear daddy's voice

- First road trip (San Antonio, TX to Spokane, WA) 

     -MJ does not like the seatbelt.  I had to put a pillow over my stomach.

- Meeting family for the first time

- First ride in daddy's '69 Chevelle

     -MJ was kicking a lot while we were in the Chevelle... don't know if that means MJ liked it or not! 

Well, I am now here in Spokane, WA with my family.  As with most trips back home, we have been busy visiting with family and EATING.  My plan was to take a 2 week break from eating healthy and working out during my vacation.  However, I am realizing that unhealthy eating and not exercising has drained me of all my energy.  In addition, add the 3 hour time difference and I a zombie by about 6pm.  The plus side is that I'm pretty sure I've gained a few more pounds (thanks to Texas food, going out to eat, and my mom's home cooking!).  My belly has grown so much this past week and it gets sooooo tight after I eat.

Jimmy loves my baby bump.  When I first saw him, he said that I looked "huge" which, of course, hurt my feelings.  He said I was huge in a cute way, but, to his credit, I keep forgetting the last time he saw me I still had my flat stomach,  ha ha ha.  Jimmy has already felt the baby kick several times, which of course brought me to tears the first time.  When he talks to the baby, he touches my belly which is really cute.  He gives the baby advice, which is hilarious.  When he teases me, he touches my belly and talks to the baby, as if they are both teasing me together! 

I'll post more pics and info on our roadtrip and vacation once I get home next weekend.  I tried to do a video blog during our 3 day roadtrip, so I have to edit the video and stuff, which will take time. 

      Week 20

My brother and sister joining in on my weekly belly photo shoot.  I have really popped this week!

  

Week 20 belly shot!

Jessica is obviously sucking it in; Steven is obviously not.

We like to call this one, "The Evolution of the Belly"

Week 18

Baby MJ is the size of a Sweet Potato... how sweet!

According to the "Ultimate Man's Guide to Baby Sizes" the baby is also the size of a

Small Electric Razor

Week 18 was a slow week!  I just can't believe I'm almost halfway to baby ;0)  The movement from the baby this week has been much stronger. I don’t just feel the fluttery motions anymore. I now feel full on bumps and pushes in my belly. It’s such a weird feeling, but I love it. It just makes everything feel so real!

I had a very successful shopping session on Saturday. I looked up all the baby consignment shops in my area and had a blast. I got some great deals on some cute maternity clothes and checked out the baby items as well. I don’t want to make any baby purchases until Jimmy gets back, but I now have a good idea of which consignment stores are the best. This one in my favorite: http://www.wiggleroom.biz/

I’m super excited about my trip to Texas tomorrow! I’m eager to see what Jimmy thinks of my 5 pound, 5 month baby bump. It’s almost like he’s meeting the baby for the first time. When he left for training a few months ago, I wasn’t showing at all. I send him pictures, but it’s not the same until you see it in person. I’m also ready to be together again; it’s so hard to be apart. Even though he leaves a lot for Army stuff, I’ll never get used to it.

We have tons of great friends in San Antonio too. We consider them all to be like our second family. I’ve also been anticipating a trip to Rudy’s BBQ, which has the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten. The brisket and cream corn is amazing. I already told Jimmy that I want to go there at least two times during our brief visit in Texas ;0)

On Tuesday, we’ll be leaving for our epic road trip to Washington (state). I can’t wait to see my family! They’re throwing us a party/baby shower, since this will be our last trip home before the baby is born. I am just excited to finally relax and be with the people I love.

We’re going to drive Jimmy’s truck to Washington (state) and then leave it with his family when we fly back to DC. We’ve realized that we only need one car in DC. I think in the 3 months that Jimmy’s been gone, I’ve driven maybe 10 times. I take the Metro everywhere or walk.

This trip is bittersweet because I do not want to leave the kitties. I love them so much and wish I could bring them with me. I just can’t believe I have to be away from them for 2 weeks. They saw my suitcase and they know something’s up. Once I start packing tonight, I know they will start acting up. I’m so sad. However, we have a great kitty sitter, so I know they’ll be in good hands.

I’ve been really tired this week, but I think it’s because I’ve been fighting off a really bad cold and sore throat. It just sucks because I can’t take any medication to ease my symptoms. I was hoping I would be healthy by now, but that’s not the case. I’m feeling wretched. I have a feeling my flight tomorrow is going to be miserable. Oh well, nothing else I can do now but push through.

Day 1, Week 19

You can tell I'm sick from my eyes :(

I'm just happy that I still fit into one of my favorite dresses.