14 weeks

I'm 14 weeks 1 day today, and Baby E is the size of a naval orange. S/he jumped from a lemon last week (3.5 inches long) to an orange this week (4.5 inches long) - talk about a growth spurt!

Fun little pregnancy survey: 

1. How far along?: 14 weeks 1 day
2. How big is baby?: According to What to Expect, a naval orange (4.5 inches long, 2-3 oz)
3. Weight gain?: Lost 4 lbs (oops)
4. Stretch marks?: None yet.
5. Maternity clothes?: I have one maternity tunic that I've worn a couple times because it's so cute and comfy, but I have no need for maternity clothes yet
6. Sleep?: Can't sleep in late (any time after 8:30) no matter how late I go to sleep, but naps are very welcomed on the weekend 
7. Best moment last week?: Always love getting to hear the heartbeat (12/20)
8. Food cravings?: It changes hourly
9. Symptoms?: Still vomiting, but feeling crappy less frequently
10. Exercise?: none (boo)
11. Gender?: finding out 1/13!!
12. Movement?: None that I can feel!
13. Belly button?: Still in
14. What I miss?: Feeling good, having energy, Jersey Mike's
15. Labor signs?: Better not have these yet.
16. What I'm looking forward to?: Christmas!! Last one without kids, I cannot wait until the baby's first Christmas next year

We had a quick check-up yesterday (quick check-up = 40 minutes in the waiting room, 30 seconds of hearing the baby's heartbeat) and everything sounds great. I decided to experiment a little, since we had such a sleepy baby on our hands at the last appt, and had a root beer before our appt - it worked! Baby was moving around "woosh, woosh" and had a nice strong heartbeat.

Mommy, on the other hand, is in trouble. Apparently all this "morning" (again, bullshit) sickness has caught up with me and instead of gaining the 4 lbs I was supposed to at 14 weeks, I've lost 4 lbs from my normal weight. Oops. "Eat More," the doctor says ... I feel like I eat NON-STOP. I'm eating a chocolate chip cookie as we speak. So for the first time in my life, I'm on a quest to gain weight, which I'm certain will be short-lived and they'll probably lecture me for gaining too much at my next appt.

AND SPEAKING OF THE NEXT APPOINTMENT!!! We find out if Baby E is a "man or a woman" on January 13th.

I. Cannot. Be-Lieeeeeeeeve. It.

We're going to have my mom come down and a few friends & family over for a fun "gender reveal" party that evening. I always thought it was so cliche for expectant mothers to say they don't care what they're having, "just as long as it's healthy" ... No, you care. You have a preference. You just don't want the kid to later find out that you wished s/he was something else. Well boys and girls, I was wrong. I genuinely can say I would be thrilled with either a boy or a girl. And (I saw this on another mommy blog) the good news is, the laws of reproduction are in my favor that it'll be one of those two, so I can't lose.

Of course, Ben wants a little boy, so I would be thrilled for him to have a son. Plus I've always loved the idea of having a boy first to be the older brother. But then again, every girl (woman?) wants a little girl of her own I think. Somewhere deep down, I've always dreamt of tutus and bows and pink bedding. So really forreal, I will be 100% thrilled whatever the case. Just so long as our little Bacon keeps growing strong and healthy.

Pregnancy Confessions: Volume One

Let me just say, being pregnant with Ben Eckerson is frickin' hilarious. Every so often, I freak out on him (I mean, wouldn't YOU freak out if he brought up a pile of laundry that included an unmatched sock?!), but for the most part, my husband makes me laugh to no end. A perfect example was this morning, on the way to work:

A: OW! This kid is killing my uterus today.
B: Is it because your uterus is introverted? Is the baby break-dancing?
A: RETRO-verted sweetheart. It's not upside down, it just leans back.
B: Oh, retro, so it's a retro baby? Like an 80's baby!
A: Sure. Let's just name the baby M.C. Hammer...
B: Or just Hammer?

... I think he was serious. You should hear some of the name suggestions this guy comes up with. Also, I know my husband well enough to know he thought my uterus was upside down, not shy. So when he said "introverted" he meant "inverted". Bless his heart.

Anyway, this isn't about him (too late), it's about me and my pregnancy confession for the week (I reserve the right to have more confessions if I have a particularly embarrassing week).

Whilst laying on my back in bed Saturday evening, procrastinating getting ready for our agency holiday party, I was pressing on my stomach just below my belly button where I *think* my uterus is currently located (because it's a little bit hard there). And then, I felt it! A tiny little kick! I yelled to Ben, "Oh my gosh! Come here and feel this!" just in time to realize it was my own heartbeat.

Real cool, dummy.

Ah well, I'm sure it won't be long before we feel a *real* kick. Can't wait!

Speak now or forever hold your piece

Which could also be called, get out now, while you still can!

What I'm trying to say is, from this point forward, I reserve the right to blog about any portion of this pregnancy that I deem fit to share with my 16 (sigh) followers. Now, I am not necessarily a massive over-sharer, so you shouldn't be too worried, but I just wanted to put it out there in case anyone is offended by ultrasound pictures, morning (read: all-day) sickness, etc. This also means that I'll be very open if anyone wants to ask questions ... without trying to scare you off from ever having children.

Now then, onto the fun stuff! 

The basics

• I'm currently 13 weeks, 2 days along - in non-parent terms, that relates to about 3.5 months
• I've just started my 2nd trimester ... still waiting for the symptoms of the 1st trimester to ease up
• I have, in fact, been sick. For eight weeks now. But I'm not losing weight and the baby is healthy!
• We are, of course, thrilled. And yes, this was an "anticipated" pregnancy 
• Side note: why does everyone ask, "Is Ben excited?" - of course he is. What do you expect me to say, "Oh, he's just hoping it's his..." C'mon people
• Another side note: When did it become appropriate to ask someone if their newly announced pregnancy was planned? Personally, I think that's awkward
• We are planning to find out the baby's gender, hopefully sometime next month
• My due date is June 19, 2012 - the day after my sister's birthday

So YAY! Little Baby Eckerson, which I have fondly been referring to as either "Junebug" or "Bacon" will be here before we know it and I'm so excited to share the journey with you gals

Coming Soon...

You might remember, a few months ago, when I posted that 26 was a big year for me. It was, I still feel that way - strongly even. It was the year of a lot of changes in our lives, and it was a year of a lot of blessings as well. I am so grateful for 26 - for the trials and triumphs we experienced.

But y'all? I think I might be even more grateful for 27...

Recipe: SPICY Chicken Pasta

Ben & I both followed our first bite with a "woah!" but that didn't stop me from chowing down until my eyes were watering, chugging a bottle of water, then going to town again. I have a sensitive palette, so I'm not a huge fan of spicy, but certain flavors are just so good that I can deal with it (wasabi being my absolute favorite). In this particular recipe, it's roasted red pepper flakes that really "kick it up a notch" (I've never actually watched Emeril, but I hear that's something he likes to say). I cut the original recipe in half and it still had a good kick. Also, it's TONS of food. I recommend halving it and freezing - because I'm trying to do that now.

Giving credit where credit is due: Discovered here and inspired by this.

Ingredients

• 1/8 cup oil
• 1.5 tsp crushed red pepper (original recipe called for 1/2 tbsp if you REALLY love spicy)
• 1/8 tsp each salt & pepper
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 lg chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
• 1 1/4 cup vodka sauce (or you can mix 3/4 cup marinara & 1/2 cup alfredo)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 lb rigatoni or ziti pasta
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to directions on box.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
3. Add crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper & garlic. Saute long enough for garlice to brown.
4. Add chicken and saute briefly to coat chicken in spices and garlic, until chicken is no longer pink.
5. Add vodka sauce (or marinara / alfredo) and bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly and chicken is cooked through.

6. Turn off heat. Add peas & butter. Stir until butter is melted completely.
7. Drain pasta, add into pan with sauce, chicken & vegetables. Toss to coat.
8. Garnish with red pepper (optional) and a tiny bit of parmesan cheese