Week 12 - Plum

About Plum: The most dramatic development this week... reflexes. Our baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, toes will curl, eye muscles will clench, and his/her mouth will make sucking movements. Also, if I prod my abdomen, our baby will squirm in response. The intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity about now, and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into the bladder.


How I Feel: “Growing Pains.” Just not hungry. Relieved to hear Baby Dennis' heartbeat again!


Cravings/Aversions: Cantaloupe, PEZ, salty foods... cooking, large meals.


Thoughts: "When should I tell my employer?" "I love my baby!" "Is it a boy or girl?"

12 Week Appointment Stats: BP 124/62, Weight -0.5, Heartbeat 171

You know you're pregnant when...

you have scary, unnecessary dreams that cause worry.

I had one last night about our baby "boy" (yes, all boy dreams to date). He was born two weeks late by c-section, cried non-stop (we didn't know what to do), looked nothing like us, and had a lazy eye so severe that it needed surgery. The other parts of my dream are a little hazy.

Random, I know.

Needless to say, I woke up in a sweat.

Week 11 - Lime

About Lime: Lime’s head accounts for almost half of his/her entire length. Both the fingers and toes have separated by week 11. The baby’s skin is still very transparent, but the bones are beginning to harden. The external genitalia have almost completely formed. Even though I cannot feel our baby moving around yet, Lime is very active.

How I Feel: Still going through a “growing” phase as I can feel stretching and pulling (sometimes it worries me). Finding it difficult to eat normal portions - I can only seem to manage several small meals. Relieved that everyone I love knows now. Anxious to hear our baby’s heartbeat again on the 30th! Only seven more days. Wondering when I should tell my boss...

Cravings/Aversions: Carnation Instant Breakfast with milk, pineapple, cantaloupe, salty foods, PEZ; Aversions – cooking dinner, smell of chicken breasts and broccoli that Justin makes for his lunches, tuna, strong smells.

Thoughts: “I'm going to be a mom in nearly 200 days!" and "I love the holidays!"

You know you're pregnant when...

the garbage truck shows up at your house at 5:45am on Thursdays and you can't go back to sleep without taking a potty break and then tossing and turning for 30 minutes.

Week 10 - Prune

About Prune: The baby has now completed the most critical portion of development. This is the beginning of the fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in the body rapidly grow and mature.

Prune is swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver — are in place and starting to function.

If you could take a peek inside the womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: the baby's limbs can bend now. Hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over the heart. The outline of the spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from the spinal cord. In the coming weeks, the baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

How I Feel: Great! Going through another “growing” phase as I can feel stretching and pulling. Anxious to hear our baby’s heartbeat again on the 30th! I’ve been constantly thinking about the baby’s health and growth this week, but I know that God has a plan and I remind myself daily.

Cravings/Aversions: Carnation Instant Breakfast with milk, pineapple, cantaloupe, red meat, salty foods, Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Bars; Aversions – cooking dinner (I lose all interest by the time I’m done), smell of chicken breasts that Justin makes for his lunches, broccoli, tuna, strong smells

Thoughts: “I’m feeling better and experiencing less discernible symptoms…is that a bad sign?” “Is God really preparing me for less sleep 8 months in advance? (Poor Justin)”

Jerry's Reveal Story

Justin, Jena and I drove to Madison, Indiana, to visit their dad, Laura, Chris, Cassie and Macky. They figured we were celebrating Christmas together - which we did- but we had a little secret.

We spent the first part of our day catching up, telling stories, watching Chris' videos, and snacking. After Macky returned from basketball practice, we opened gifts. Jerry (his dad) opened the last gift. Inside the bag, we had wrapped up Dark Knight, an ultrasound photo, and a bib that said "Grandpa loves me." He pulled out the dvd and then the bib, read what it said and turned it around with a stunned look on his face! Laura read it and immediately jumped up. One by one the kids figured it out and jumped up for hugs. Everybody was so surprised and happy! I think we really caught Jerry off guard. He was so happy and said so several times - Justin was so excited to see his dad react this way. It truly made his day.

Thanks to everyone for a great day!

You know you're pregnant when...

you have to use the hair band trick.

Feel free to shoot me an email if this is unfamiliar.. I'll explain.

Week 9 - Olive

About Olive: While our baby is still extremely small, he/she is now ready for rapid weight gain. The eyelids are fully formed, have fused shut, and will open again during week 28. All the baby's joints such as the knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and wrists are working and allowing the baby to move about freely. Our baby's heart began beating around day 24, but now his/her heart has divided into four chambers, and the valves are beginning to develop. Our baby can also make a fist, and he/she may begin sucking his/her thumb. (This is so cool!)

How I Feel: Remarkably not pregnant this week! Less morning sickness, little less tired. Excited and relieved that our parents and friends will all know by the end of this week (except for a few relatives we want to surprise at Christmas). Absolutely amazing after seeing my parents' and Joni's reaction!

Cravings/Aversions: Altoids Tangerine Sours, milk, chocolate and Tootsie Rolls (but limiting intake), pineapple, cantaloupe, blueberry/raspberry yogurt smoothies, red meat... aversions - smell when Justin makes his chicken, tuna, broccoli, italian food

Thoughts: I cannot wait until February 24th... Justin and I will find out the gender and share with our readers! Also, praying that everything continues to go well and Baby D is healthy!

Joni's Reveal Story

Justin and I went to Joni and Steve's place for some conversation and dinner. We talked, looked at photos, ate three courses and Justin still had not said anything. So, I managed to hit him in the leg. He then spoke up "Mom, remember that conversation we had last Thursday?" Joni replied "The baby conversation?" Justin then smiled and said "Well..." and I pulled out the ultrasound photos and Grandma's Cutie bib. She immediately opened her mouth in surprise, teared up, and got up to give us both a big hug. Then asked if she could keep the bib! Steve was also very surprised and excited.

It was priceless. Another moment Justin and I will never forget!

Mom & Dad's Reveal Story

Birthday Scavenger Hunt / The Big Reveal

The crossword puzzle that gave the directions for the scavenger hunt

First stop: Dining Room... Gift: Favorite candy

Second stop: Man Cave... Gift: Holiday Outdoor RugThird stop: Office... Gift: LCR (great game)Last stop: Family Room... Gift: Grandchild #2!Justin and I waiting for them!Mom's priceless reaction!Celebratory photo!Baby D's first gift from Em & KyleHappy Birthday Mom & Dad!!Big thanks to Em & Kyle for capturing the big moment(s) in photos and video!

The Big Reveal

Tonight was my parents' birthday party and we decided to make it interesting. They embarked on a mini scavenger hunt around the house and we were the last stop and SURPRISE! Check out the video!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We will remember this moment always!!

You know you're pregnant when...

you have to choose another clothing option because the first is no longer flattering.

Ultrasound and Heartbeat

After my 3-hour appointment, we walked away with this treasure!

Although, it looks as if we are expecting an alien baby!

My appointment went very well and the baby's heartbeat looked great - 170! Justin and I were so happy that we could experience the ultrasound together... something we'll never forget.

Week 8 - Raspberry

About Raspberry: Eyelid folds and ears are forming and even the tip of the nose is visible. The arms have grown longer and bend at the elbows. Places where fingers and toes eventually will grow are becoming notched.

How I Feel: Keen sense of smell - and many aversions. Morning sickness (but not as bad as week 7!). When I feel well, sometimes I forget that I'm pregnant! Unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Anxious and excited about ultrasound (12/4) - it will be the first time Justin sees and hears our little "raspberry" (nickname TBD - we're trying some out).

Cravings (aka anti-nausea foods): Altoid Tangerine Sours, Blueberry/Raspberry Yogurt Smoothies, Lorraine's Chex Mix, Honey Nut Cheerios, Peppermint Tea.

Thoughts: Anticipation of telling our loved ones about our secret is nearly killing me! Wondering how our family and friends will react. Thinking about how different our lives will be in July! Justin is doing a great job of filling in on household duties when I'm not feeling well.

Ultrasound Results Coming Soon!

You know you're pregnant when...

each trip to the bathroom brings a little worry,

especially after friends and family have experienced such heartbreaking loss.

Week 7 - Blueberry

About Blueberry: Baby is now the size of a blueberry! Baby's brain -- both hemispheres -- is growing fast, generating about one hundred new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.

How I Feel: Morning sickness (but all day). Sleepy. Experiencing "growing pains." Keen sense of smell.

Cravings: Altoid Tangerine Sours, Sour Patch Kids, Blueberry/Raspberry Yogurt Smoothies.

Thoughts: Still can't believe we're pregnant! Anxiously awaiting 8 week ultrasound to measure growth and heart rate. Debating on how we want to tell the people we love!

Week 6 - SweetPea

About SweetPea: The nose, mouth, and ears that we'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see inside, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where our baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. Emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and arms and legs by protruding buds. The heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as mine — and blood is beginning to course through the baby's body. Intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to lungs has appeared. Pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of the brain, muscles, and bones.

How I Feel: Morning sickness is here. Feeling faint at times. Experiencing "growing pains."

Cravings: Chicken Noodle Soup, Mac & Cheese

Thoughts: Still can't believe we're pregnant! Anxious that SweetPea is growing and healthy (especially after my sister's loss).

First Reveal - My sister (at Rejuve)

I had to tell her quickly because she was raising too many questions around family and friends!
I didn't want to spill the beans too early!

My Reveal Story - Madeira Beach, FL

Location: beach in front of the Madeira Beach condo

Setting: full moon, clear skies, calm ocean, 70 degrees

Once we got settled into the condo, I asked Justin to take a walk with me on the beach. As we began walking in the sand, I reminded him that this was the first place he told me he loved me. He paused and looked at me. Then, I proceeded to say,

"This is also the first place where I'll tell you... I'm pregnant!"

He could not believe it! And was so surprised (in a good way of course). He was adorable.

I'll never forget this night.

We're Pregnant!

I took a test (or two) today and we're pregnant!!

Reagan's reaction

Does she already know she's #4 now?

Justin will find out on Thursday - our first night on the beach!