Week 17: Wrestling & Lil' Nudges

Tyrone loves our new diaper bag! Just had to add this picture after he came home from work today and modeled our new favorite accessory!

Week 17: NCAA Wrestling Finals

Yes. Yes, I do love my husband. That's why on Saturday night, we could be found watching the NCAA Wrestling Finals on our television instead of a movie on the bigscreen. Yes, we cheated on our movie-a-week goal to watch a couple sweaty frat boys writhe around on a mat. At least, I finally got some Wingstop hot wings for my sacrifice. (Apparently, this child really likes hot wings. We ate hot wings on the night we found out that I was pregnant, and I've been lusting after hot wings many nights since that fateful evening.) Anyway, Iowa dominated the tournament. It was definitely fun to watch Ty get all worked up about various matches. It's fun to watch him get so passionate and enthusiastic about something other than politics! (03/20/10, The Wheeler Home)

So, I finally can confidently confirm that I have felt the baby move! Monday night (March 15th) Ty and I were lying in bed watching Everybody Loves Raymond. All of the sudden, I felt like a fast, little "pop"-like nudge, right where I knew the baby was located. And, I knew. I just knew. Once you feel the baby move, you recognize that the feeling is completely distinguishable from gas bubbles! It was amazing... in a very content, fullfilling, satisfying way. Since then, I've probably felt the baby move around 10 to 15 times. It always halts me in my tracks. I know that further in the pregnancy, that feeling will be old-hat, but it's still so infrequent right now, that it just enthralls me!

It was a big week in baby preparation land, too. Ty and I bought a video camera! We still haven't really figured out how to run the thing, but I'm sure Ty will have a handle on it before the baby arrives. (Libby and Emily-maybe you can help us?) Currently, Ty likes to randomly pick up the camera and start taping me while I'm cooking or cleaning or watching television. It's like he's become my own personal papparazo!

And, I found the perfect diaper bag! I never imagined that I could get so bloody excited about a diaper bag. But then, I realized that buying a diaper bag is almost like buying a purse. And I love purses! ( ; Anyway, a friend on a message board referred me to a discounted site, where I got my bag for 50% off! Yay for discounts! The picture shows a couple of the bag's functions, which is why I feel in love with it in the first place. Finally, our baby furniture has arrived! We're waiting until the middle of April to pick it up, but it is officially waiting for us here in Omaha.

The baby and my bump just keep growing! Baby is about 5.5 inches long and 6 ounces heavy. Apparently, that's the size of a sweet potatoe. And my belly, well, I think that the picture shows its growth. That picture was taken yesterday, at 18 weeks exactly. As of this week, I'm considered 5 months pregnant.

Exactly 2 Weeks until the Big Ultrasound and our little one's half-way mark!

Week 15 & 16: Wonderland and Hot Tamales

Week 15: Alice in Wonderland (9)

So, Ty finally decided that he could man-up and wear 3D glasses after all. Therefore, he wanted to see Alice in Wonderland, and I obliged. Personally, I enjoyed the previews more than the actual movie itself! The movie theater was packed with children, and we sat right next to several eight or nine year old boys. As soon as the 3D previews started, all the kids were like "Whoa!", "Wow!", and would clap vigorously after every particularly cool 3D effect. Ty and I just kept giggling because the kids were so darn enthusiastic and entranced by the previews. It made me smile to picture our future child's enthusiasm and ardor over such minor thrills. If our little one takes anything after it's mother's naturally high level of enthusiasm, Ty and I should enjoy years of childlike wonder!

But back to the movie, I probably can't fairly critique it....since I did fall asleep halfway through. ( ; I think I woke up in time for the climax (I think...but I can't be sure!) The 3D effects were very neat. But Tim Burton's lighting is so darn dark, and Ty's shoulder is just so comfy.... And pregnancy is still making me tired all the time! Ty's appraisal of the movie was similar to mine: the effects were cool, the story was lacking. (3/05/10, Oakview)

Again, Week 15 was slower in pregnancy-land. No landmark events occurred. Still listen to the baby's heartbeat for about a minute per day. Still sounds pretty cool. Still running mildly slower... about 155 beats a minute now. Probably the biggest event in Week 15 was my growing bump. It's definitely prominent now. People at work can't see because of my scrubs and at home I usually wear pretty loose-fitting comfy clothes. But, when I look in the mirror while wearing a close-fitting top, my belly is definitely blooming. I guess that my weight shows that progress, as well. I think I've gained about 8 lbs now... Oh, I should probably mention, too, that I finally told my boss that I was pregnant! She was thrilled, hugged me, and asked if anyone had planned a baby shower yet. I felt very relieved!

Week 16: Remember Me (10)

Due to a dearth of other options, I was allowed to make the movie choice this week. And, I was more than thrilled to choose a film starring the amazing, gorgeous, beautiful, talented, hot tamale that is Robert Pattinson! Expecting little more than an hour and a half of gazing at perfection, I instead found a very sad, poignant, touching film about relationships and the precious, delicate nature of life. (Not that I didn't enjoy the gazing, as well. Robert's hair is a phenomenon in itself!) During the movie, I especially enjoyed watching the little moments as the relationship between Robert and his leading lady bloomed. And not to give anything away, but the movie was also a powerful reminder of the impact of 9/11, as well. Anyway, I thought this was one of the better films on our movie-a-week journey. I know Ty would disagree, but Ty hates any movie that "makes one feel sad". As I've previously stated, unless it contains romance, guns, comedy, or a happy ending.... Tyrone wants nothing to do with it! (03/12/10, Twenty Grand)

Week 16 was a little busier pregnancy-wise. I had another routine check-up with our doctor. He said that's everything's looking good! He said that the results of my 12 week ultrasound show our child's chance of being born with Down Syndrome or Trisomy Thirteen is 1 in 10,000 (which is very good). He said that all of my urine samples and blood work have shown normal levels of protein, sugar, etc... The heartbeat sounded good, weight gain and blood pressure looked good... we're all good! And, we finally scheduled "The Big Ultrasound" for Monday, April 5th. That will be the ultrasound where we can finally confirm the baby's gender and see much more human-looking pictures of our little one! It likely will be our last ultrasound, as well. )

Finally, the bump continues to grow! Just because I was curious, I tried on my swimming suit. All I can say is... Wow. This girl won't be going to a pool for a while! Also, I think that I can finally confirm that I felt the baby move. After a whole week of not feeling any suspicious movement, I finally felt it today. I was using my doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat, and I heard the quick interruption that pops up when the baby is moving. At that exact same time, I felt, like, a quick wiggle right in the same spot. 90 % positive that was movement! I still can't wait for the day when I don't have to so intently pay attention to feel movement.

Picture: My most recent bump picture: Taken at 16 Weeks and 6 Days (Saturday)

Week 14: Um, Not Much to Report!

Week 14: Couples Retreat (8)

Well, we cheated. For the first time in our "Movie a Week" plot, Ty and I did not go see a movie in theaters. ) ; But, we had good reason! I was up super late on Friday night at a sushi bar with an out-of-town visitor, and Brock and Nicole were gone so we had the house to ourselves. Therefore, Ty and I ordered pizza and watched a movie at home. Couples Retreat just came out on DVD, and neither Ty or I had seen it. Therefore, we feel like we only partially cheated on our plan this week! Couples Retreat was, well.... forgettable? I'm not quite sure how to word it. I guess it was similar to Valentine's Day. The movie had some cute, funny moments but was overall forgettable. Not much plot, not much substance. Fluff. Ty couldn't help but notice how all the men were "normal" looking guys, while the women were "super fit and attractive". I was very proud of my husband's sensitive eye toward these gender politics. I've educated him well! ( ; Anyway, cute movie: pretty to look at, easy to forget. (Saturday, 02/27/10, The Wheeler Villa)

From the pregnancy front, there's not much to report! I usually listen to the heart beat for 2 to 3 minutes once a day. It's so reassuring to daily hear that quick little drumming. I've been feeling pretty good. Lately I've been more exhausted again. Both Saturday and Sunday I took a 2.5 hour nap. Probably the biggest news is that my "bump" appears to finally be showing up! I think. I guess you'll have to make your own judgment based on the pictures (Both pictures were taken at 14 Weeks 5 Days). I'm still anxiously waiting to feel movement. Most books say that first-time moms usually feel movement around 18/20 weeks, so I suppose that I should be patient. Ty says to mention that I kept getting grumpy at him this week. That's kinda true... On Wednesday and Thursday I had that unexplained irritability again. Just felt short and easily irritated. Ty always appears to chose this time to act like a 12 year-old boy: annoying, loud, and intrusive! (Love you, Tyrone!) I guess he's trying to help me practice for baby.

Hope all is going well in the family. Love you guys!

Week 12 & 13: Crazy in Love, Ultrasound Pics

Week 12: Valentine's Day (6)

Valentine's Day: what could be more cliche? Roses, hearts, chocolate, and romance. Now, usually... all of these are my favorites! But ON Valentine's day, for some reason, it all just seems stale. Well, the same could be said of the movie Valentine's Day. Stale. The movie was a poor, poor imitation of one of my alltime favorite movies, Love Actually. The film contains numerous stories with numerous characters, who are all revealed to somehow know each other by the end of the film. Don't get me wrong: the movie had some cute moments! Just overall, it seemed like a wasted opportunity for a sweet, poignant romantic comedy. However, it was very fun to see a movie with Brock, Nicole, Dan, and Em. Cheapskate Brock actually forked over the $18 to see a movie in theaters. ( ; I was shocked, yet proud. (Saturday, 02/13/10, The Rave)

Week 12 was, well, simply an amazing week for our pregnancy. On Wednesday, February 12th, we had our NT scan (an ultrasound and blood test for down syndrome and other genetic anomalies). The ultrasound was, literally, awe-inspiring. And I was so proud.... Ty did not nearly faint this time! ( ; For me, I was most astounded by the growth in the mere 5 weeks since the last ultrasound used to confirm the pregnancy. The fetus grew from what appeared to be a log-shaped amoeba into actually looking like a real baby. In just 5 weeks! Seeing the movement was incredible, too. The baby behaved phenomenally! When the ultrasound started, it was lying in the exact position necessary for the tech to take the necessary pictures for the test. Almost as soon as she was done with the necessary images, the baby just snapped awake! It, kinda, convulsed into itself, like someone who sits up very quickly and started moving around.

At that point, the tech changed the machine to the 4D imagery (which, by the way, I had NO idea that my practice had that technology). It was like watching video of the baby moving inside me. I remember seeing the little elbows come into view. I remember when the tech snapped the picture of the baby putting its arms up in the last ultrasound picture above. The whole half hour was simply one of the most incredible experiences of my life. After seeing those images at just 12 weeks, it sure makes it difficult to understand how anyone could say that the fetus is not a human being by that point in development...

Oh, and we did (tentatively) learn the gender of the baby.... The tech offered us the opportunity to hear her best guess at the gender, and Ty (the one who always wanted to wait until delivery to find out) immediately pipes up, "Yes, we'd like to find out!" Ty and I plan to share the gender with everyone after our "big ultrasound" at 20 weeks. Til then, we're gonna try not to get too attached... Finally, the doctor called with the results of the NT scan and reported that everything looked normal! Yay!

Week 13: Shutter Island (7)

"It's a mental hospital...for the criminally insane". Well, you know that tagline got my attention! In Shutter Island, Leonardo DiCaprio (can I get a "Hollaaa!") plays a federal marshall investigating a missing patient from the aforementioned hospital located on a secluded island. Honestly, I can't tell you many more details without giving the surprise away. The movie was AMAZING!! Unfortunately, it was a terribly inaccurate depiction of the mentally ill (Particularly of how delusions present themselves. It was an interesting study, however, of how the brain protects itself from trauma). However, the suspense, mental anguish, confusion, and surprise ending made up for the inaccuracies. Leo is an incredible actor. He perfectly portrays the increasing levels of paranoia, panic, and confusion as the plot unfolds. I'm not sure that this movie would be everyone's cup of tea, but I sure enjoyed it! Ty even appreciated the film; I didn't even have to drag him there! (Saturday, 02/20/10, Oakview)

Week 13 was a little more low-key than Week 12 in pregnancy-land. I did, officially however, enter the 2nd trimester!!! That was exciting. And a relief. The risk of miscarriage is significantly, significantly lower now. So, I continue to find myself less and less paranoid. The baby's heartbeat is now really easy to find with the doppler. It takes me, like, 2 seconds to locate it. However, I have to move the doppler around more in order to continue hearing the heartbeat. I assume that's because the baby is more squirmy now! Also, the heart rate appears to have mildly slowed. Instead of normally running in the mid to low 170s, it usually runs in the mid to low 160s now. Also, I think I am starting to more clearly "show". I might post another picture next week.

Finally, I bought our little one's first book! I was in the store, and I just couldn't resist! It's called, "Tickle Monster". It's about a fuzzy blue alien that arrives on earth to share his special tickling skills. The book came with big fuzzy blue paws, that the reader wears to tickle the listener. I am VERY excited to read this to our baby for the first time! Just for practice, I read the whole thing outloud (with much enthusiasm) to Tyrone. He just loved when I tickled his "cute little footsies!!" ( ;

Foot Notes:

In case you couldn't tell, the very first ultrasound picture is from our ultrasound at 7 weeks.

If you haven't noticed, I list all the movies that we've seen under the "favorite movie" portion of my profile. From now one, I'm going to arrange these movies from my perception of best to worst. Just an FYI!

Weeks 10 & 11: Werewolves and Denzel, Dopplers and a Crib

Week 10: New Moon (4)

Well, good movie selections were sparse during week 10. It was my turn to pick, and I did NOT feel like another macho movie. Therefore, I thought that it was only fair to share my love of vampires with my hunky husband. I know Ty was just overjoyed at the opportunity to share two and a half hours of movie magic with Edward Cullen and Jacob Black....although, his smile did perhaps appear a little plastered on.... Anyway, I think everyone knows my opinion on the recent Twilight adaptation. But what did Tyrone think? Actually, he was not so impressed. He called Taylor Lautner a poor actor, and he said that he preferred the first Twilight movie. What?!? He said he liked the intrique of discovering the world of vampies in the first movie. What?!? He preferred the mystery in Twlight versus the increased action sequences in New Moon? Well. 01/30/10 (Saturday, Oakview)

Week 10 was pretty amazing from a pregnancy standpoint. After my miscarriage nightmares, Ty and I decided to rent an at-home fetal doppler heart monitor. Ty said, "Audrey, if that's what gives you reassurance and makes you feel more comfortable, go for it." We received the doppler in the mail, and on Thursday, January 28th, we heard our baby's heartbeat for the first time. It took about 15 minutes to hear the heartbeat. Once we found it, the sound was immediately recognizable. It was amazing. Our baby sounds like a race horse! The baby's heartrate was just a-racing, ranging from 165 to 177 beats per minute. We celebrated with some better-sex-cake that I'd been craving (Apparently being pregnant has kicked my interests in culinary tasks into high gear. When I made especially good chocolate chip cookies a couple weeks ago, Ty said that my "mom skills" must already be kicking in.)

Week 11: The Book of Eli (5)

After so graciously agreeing to see New Moon during the prior week, it was Tyrone's chance to pick the film. But, I think we both pretty eagerly watched Book of Eli. Synposis: Denzel Washington is journeying through a post nuclear war America. A "voice" told Denzel that he would "receive God's protection" as he "followed the path" west to deliver a "precious book" to those who could protect it. Well, the voice was God and the book was the last Bible left on earth....in Braille. Turns out Denzel was blind the entire movie. Blind- as he so easily defeated numerous vagabounds in hand to hand combat (including several cannibals -whose hands apparently tremor vigorously after consuming human flesh). Verdict: While the premise sounds a bit ridiculous, the movie was actually quite enjoyable. Strangely, it was another apocalypse movie where the underlying message revolved around faith and trust in God. 02/06/10 (Saturday-The Rave)

Exciting news during Week 11.... We bought a crib! Well, a crib plus some.... Mom and I went comparison shopping all day Wednesday, and we finally found the perfect deal! I'll post pictures below. Oh, it was a blast crib shopping. I was very glad that Ty did not come along. He would have loathed combing up and down, back and forth, and back and forth again down every aisle. I think we made a wise choice. While the price was higher than Ty and I originally planned, my plot is for the baby is use this furniture through junior high and highschool. I bought the items judging on durability, utility, and long-term usefulness. The crib converts into a toddler and full adult bed. The dressers should be easily usable through junior high. A therapist at work said that she bought this brand of baby bed, and her daughter now sleeps in the adult bed 7 years later. Ty says that the baby will have WAY better furniture than its parents; however, isn't that what you want for your children? Better than what you have? ( ; Anyway, now that I'm done defending my purchase (I love you, Tyrone!) here are some pictures. We bought all the items you see above in the expresso color that you see on the crib.

Well, sorry to be so long-winded this time. Week 12 should be exciting next week, though. Ultrasound and the end of the first trimester this coming week... Yay!

Week 9: Faith

So, Tyrone and I really enjoy a good Apocalypse movie. In fact, Ty has been looking forward to Legion for several weeks now. The verdict? Well, it was certainly entertaining! In the plot, God finally decides that he has "had enough" with mankind; therefore, he sends his angels to destroy man. However, the archangel Michael disobeys orders and flees to earth to protect humanity. So, while the premise itself is absolutely ridiculous, it did provide some thought-provoking material! A lot of the film was about faith and God's love for mankind. (Friday, 01/22/10, Oakview)

Pregnancy-related, Week 9 also proved to be about relying on faith. Middle of the week, I had a very vivid, detailed dream about miscarriage. Woke up in the middle of the night in tears. First, Ty was very reassuring. He told me that if all my dreams came true, I'd be constantly chased by raptors! Mom later reassured me that our dreams often contain our deepest fears; therefore, of course miscarriage would be high up in my subconscious. But most of all, I had to realize that I do NOT have control over what's going on right now. I have to ACCEPT that I don't have control over the events of the pregnancy. Sure, I can take care of myself, educate myself, and engage in healthy behaviors. However, I can not obsessively-compulsively follow every pregnancy guideline in order to ensure a healthy baby. Therefore, I have finally realized that I absolutely, 100 percent have to completely rely on faith and God's love. As they say in AA, "Let go and let God". I must simply rely on prayer, faith, and God's love and grace.

Pregnancy symptom-wise, I'm feeling pretty good! Still random moments of indigestion. Still obsessively attempting to observe a bump! ( ; It's just wishful thinking, I think! Let's get readers opinions! This picture was taken prior to supper the night of the movie.... at 9 weeks 5 days.

Please keep Tyrone, baby, and I in your thoughts and prayers. Love you all.

Week 7 & 8: Aliens and Airplanes, Heartbeats and Heartburn

Well, I guess that since this is the first blog, I have some catching up to do! Ty and I are now 9 weeks and 5 days. We've seen 2 movies on our quest for 34 glorious, newborn-free movie nights!

Week 7: Avatar (1)

Ty was a wimp, and he was afraid to see the movie in 3D. "I don't like to look through two lenses," he whined. Therefore, we saw Avatar in all its 2D wonder. And the verdict is...... Not impressed! I wanted to fall asleep for the entire final 30 minute climax. If it weren't for my constant pregnant need to go to the bathroom, I would have fallen asleep, too! I mean, the colors are pretty, but one can only stare at colors for so long! Frankly, I thought the movie was a little self indulgent. 01/08/10 (Friday-Oakview-Rollie and Jen)

On a pregnancy note, I had my ultrasound this week, on Epiphany! The baby's heartbeat was 128 beats per minute. The ultrasound tech reported that the growth was exactly on target based on my estimated pregnancy date, 7 weeks 3 days. Ty almost passed out! He claims that he just got "overwhelmed by the moment", and he also claims that his belief that the yolk sack was actually a twin influenced his feelings of lightheadedness. It was very surreal seeing the heartbeat.... I felt so disconnected from what I was seeing, like, how in the world is THAT going on inside me.... Weird.

Week 8: Up in the Air (2)

As you all know, George Clooney is Ty's favorite celebrity! Therefore, he was pretty excited to financially support him and his political agenda. ( ; But, lo and behold, miracle of miracles, Ty actually quite enjoyed the movie. Georgie boy works out of a firm in OMAHA that sends out consultants to fire people at other companies. The movie had an interesting commentary about the influence of technology upon human connections and intimacy. And let me just say, that Jessica from Twilight (yah!) did an amazing job as the young maverick entrepreneur in the film. And while George Clooney doesn't hold a handle to Edward Cullen's marvelousness, old George is still looking pretty daper these days! 01/16/10 (Saturday-The Rave)

Baby-wise, heartburn sucks! After eating taco salad, I experienced my first real bout with heartburn. My description: It feels like (without any heaving motions) that you are vomiting up hot, viscous air. I can actually track it, traveling up my throat! It almost makes you catch your breath until it passes. So, heartburn is not my new favorite experience! I'd rather do without, thank you very much.

So, I promise that future blog entries will be more entertaining. During this first entry, Brock and "Say Yes to the Dress" kept distracting me from fulling comitting myself to clever prose. In the future, I plan to try to address how themes from the movie will affect our lives and the baby's life in the future.... After watching Legion tonight, I will attempt to cleverly update my blog in the next couple of days....

For the record, I do believe that I will keep the formatting the same.... The last part of the movie section identifies the date that we watched the movie, the theater where we watched it, and if anyone else attended with us.