11 Weeks

Week 11 has been a big week! We had an ultrasound, we told our bosses and several of our friends we are pregnant, we (sort of ) celebrated St. Patrick's Day, and March Madness. Whew! I am tired!

Our doctors appointment on Monday went great! Baby G is actually measuring about 4 days ahead and had a strong heartbeat at 170bpm. My doctor isn't changing my due date but said that based on my history and measuring big...we should be prepared for baby by mid-September. Oh boy (or girl)!! All my blood work came back in a normal range and the doctor is pleased. This week the baby is the size of a lime and will have a huge growth spurt over the next 3 weeks, doubling in size.  I can tell because my pants are getting a little snug.

Carli and I were talking the other night and she asked about the sex of the baby. I told her we still don't know, but God does. She seemed ok with that for now but suggested we name the baby Zoey if it's a girl and Porcupine if its a boy. When I told her a porcupine was an animal, she said "I think that is ok". We have had a little difficulty adjusting after daylight savings time and after my travel last week, Carli is extremely clingy to mama. I can't help wonder how she will react when she has to "share" me.

On St. Patrick's Day, Nick and I have officially been together for 10 years! My, how time flies! On one hand it seems like we were just kids back then and have come SO far. On the other hand, I feel like we are still those young, thin, fun kids we once were....at least at heart!!

10 year lilies from my baby daddy

How far along? 11 weeks

Total weight gain: actually lost 2lbs

Maternity clothes? not yet...bit I prefer stretchy pants when I can get away with it.

Stretch marks? nope

Sleep:  Pretty good most nights 

Best moment this week: seeing that strong beating heart

Miss Anything? not really

Movement:  I wondered this week but I doubt it yet

Food cravings:  Apples and Peanut Butter...still!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nausea has gotten so much better this week.

Gender:  Thinking boy after our appointment....hmmm

Labor Signs:  um, no!

Symptoms: tighter pants 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off?  On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: very, very happy!

Looking forward to: the Easter Bunny!!

Double Digits! 10 weeks!

Hey y'all!!
I am behind posting for week 10 because I spent most of the week in Texas for work. It was a pretty easy trip but I missed Carli terribly and couldn't wait to get home!
We are 1/4 of the way through the pregnancy...I love the milestone weeks!


We have been taking advantage of the early Spring weather and playing outside every chance we get. It wears us all out! I feel like my belly has grown a bit and a few people may be suspicious, including neighbors and co-workers. We have a check up at 11 weeks and will probably be more comfortable sharing the news after that. We did make the announcement to Nick's family. Everyone is very excited to add another Groves to the family in the fall.


This week our little buckeye has all of the internal organs and the heart is almost fully developed. The ears are in the final stages of taking shape and will soon be able to hear.

How far along? 10 weeks

Total weight gain: 2lbs

Maternity clothes? Pants have started to get a little snug and I am forced to be more creative to hide a tiny bump.

Stretch marks? nope

Sleep:  Pretty good most nights 

Best moment this week: Telling our family

Miss Anything? I wanted a Coors Light during our bonfire Saturday night.

Movement:  not yet

Food cravings:  Apples and Peanut Butter

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nausea has gotten so much better this week.

Gender:  A few more weeks.

Labor Signs:  Lord no!

Symptoms: actually, no 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off?  On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!

Looking forward to: Ultrasound!!!

9 weeks

The first trimester is such a marathon. At times it seems to fly by, other moments, it is dragging. Everything has been going really well. Morning sickness has subsided this week which is a huge relief. I typically hit a brick wall about 3pm every afternoon and find myself yawning through meetings.
We told Carli that she was going to be a big sister and her reaction was priceless. She squealed, jumped up and down, and was SO very happy! She immediately wanted to go into planning mode (her mothers daughter)...telling me we need a crib, diapers, and lots of "baby things". It was the sweetest thing. We took a quick shopping trip to Target where she was throwing all kinds of baby gear in our cart. I just didn't have the heart to stop her.

Every day since, she asks about the baby. She talks to and kisses my belly. Asking "are you a boy or a girl?" I can't wait to really start shopping and planning. I know my little helper will be right in tow.


Baby is officially considered a "fetus" this week. The kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs are all beginning to function. Baby is the size of a grape this week. We had an ultrasound at 8 weeks 2 days and Baby G was measuring right on target. Strong heartbeat at 167 bpm...much faster than just a few weeks before.  So no clue on gender there....


For fun we did a few gender predication tests. 1. I did the baking soda test that predicated girl. 2. My sister held a necklace over my belly and that predicted boy. 3. The ultrasound tech said that the shape of my placenta and the baby indicated boy based on the Ramzi method. 4. Chinese gender chart also says a boy.
Only 4 more  weeks until we can find out!!! I can't wait!

A ripe little Raspberry-8 weeks

Yet another week full of nausea and morning sickness. If this baby follows what Carli did, this should clear up in just a few weeks. Just in time for me to hop a plane to Dallas for a quick work trip (something I also did in my first pregnancy).
I am extremely tired at the end of the work day but I have been sleeping pretty well this week. Such a blessing!
I have started to give a little thought to the nursery. I don't want to do a theme necessarily, but I do like the idea of incorporating a few zoo animals for a boys room. I am picturing a VERY large giraffe in my future.
Baby G is continuing to grow very fast. Lips, nose, and eyelids are all taking shape. It is hard to believe in just a few short weeks we have grown from a poppy seed to a raspberry.


How far along? 8 weeks

Total weight gain: 0

Maternity clothes? No, everything seems to still be fitting fine.

Stretch marks? nope

Sleep:  Good! Much better than a few weeks ago.

Best moment this week: Hearing Carli say her prayers and ask for a baby.

Miss Anything? National Margarita Day was Monday....

Movement:  not yet

Food cravings:  Taco Bell....twice this week! 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nothing specifically, sometimes everything

Gender:  The end of March can't come soon enough!

Labor Signs:  Lord no!

Symptoms: nausea, heartburn

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off?  On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!

Looking forward to: Sharing our news with family.

7 weeks

What a great week! We had a doctor appointment and our first ultrasound. I was very anxious to see what exactly was going on in there. The doctor was quickly able to see our little nugget and a strong heartbeat. It was beating at 132bpm. True music to my ears! Baby G is measuring right on target. This week arm and leg buds have started to grow. The baby's brain is growing too. He/she is still only about the size of a blueberry but continues to cause me some serious morning sickness. It has occurred everyday for the last week promptly at 7:30. I nibble on crackers on the drive to work and typically start feeling better by 9am.

I always had an overwhelming feeling from the beginning of my pregnancy with  Carli, that she was a girl. I haven't had a strong pull towards either sex this time.... until just yesterday. Now I can't shake the feeling it is a boy. The Chinese gender chart says boy and I think I will do the baking soda test this weekend. I did all of the above with Carli and it said girl. I cannot wait to find out around Easter!I feel a huge sense of relief after our appointment. I am very excited to share the news with our family is a few weeks. I think they will all be very surprised! I may be paranoid but I think a few people at work may be on to me. We have had a couple events lately where I have skipped a beer and they just know that isn't normal!

Carli recently drew a picture of our family. It is just precious and she is so proud! She better start practicing how to make room for one more on her paper!

Our little Valentine - 6 weeks

I have definitely been more aware of my pregnancy this last week. Mainly due to morning sickness....which is not just occurring in the morning. It started in week 6 with Carli as well so I guess I shouldn't be surprised to get hit with waves of nausea. I am also VERY tired at the end of the day. Last night I was rocking Carli and kept dozing off. She would tap on my chin and tell me the rocking chair was going too slow. Clearly the rocking was only putting one of us to sleep.


Little baby Groves is doing some pretty amazing things in there. Eyes, mouth, and little ears are growing and the heart has started beating (perfect timing for Valentines Day). I can't wait to hear it next week! He/She is still only the size of a sweet pea but sure is having a big impact on momma!!

We are in full swing preparing for Valentines Day! Carli got to decorate her V-day box and she had a ball. I haven't seen the other kids shoeboxes yet but I am going to go out on a limb and say this one is the best.

My favorite little baker also suggested we make a heart cake this week. It tasted as good as it looks (although sweets aren't something I have been craving).

How far along? 6 weeks

Total weight gain: 0

Maternity clothes? No, but I have read that I will show earlier this time around.

Stretch marks? nope

Sleep:  Good! I am out the moment my head hits the pillow. I am getting up to use the restroom multiple times a night but have no problem going right back to sleep.

Best moment this week: Oddly...feeling nausea. Makes me feel pregnant!

Miss Anything?  I could go for a glass of wine.

Movement:  Not yet, but hear that I will notice that sooner as well.

Food cravings:  Nothing sounds great...not much of an appetite.  

Anything making you queasy or sick:  No

Gender:  Can't wait to find out.

Labor Signs:  Lord no!

Symptoms: nausea, lots of potty breaks, sore boobs (truth).

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off?  On 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but I have had my cranky (sleepy) moments.

Looking forward to: The weekend (as always) and our ultrasound next week.  

5 weeks and feeling good

I don't know that it has even officially sunk in that we will soon be "party of four". Nick and I are still keeping the secret to ourselves for a few more weeks. I have my first ultrasound in 2 weeks and I CANNOT wait!
I am enjoying re-reading my pregnancy books and I am just amazed at the miracle of life!
Baby G is the size of a tiny orange seed but already the circulatory system, along with the heart is starting to be functional.
I am feeling good. Just a few episodes of heartburn (which I had before) and exhaustion at the end of the day. Long days at work and chasing a 3 year old made me tired pre-pregnancy so I can't put all that on Baby G.
Although still unaware (but maybe more intuitive then I give her credit for), Carli talks about a baby brother or sister almost daily. She suggested we swing by the hospital and pick up a baby, a "real one". She also told Nick that she can't wait until the baby gets bigger and can play with her. It is just the sweetest thing ever.


My sister has become my best friend and I cannot wait to witness the bond that these two will have.  Here is the little mommy taking care of her babies...