Baby Bump- 17 Weeks

How Far Along: 17 Weeks

Size of baby: The baby is about 5 inches long from its head to its bottom. Last time we were at the doctor, he said he/she was about 17 cm including its legs which is about 7 inches. So this week I am guessing that has grown to about 7 1/2 inches. The baby wieghs about 5 ounces and is the size of a turnip.

Baby Development: Little baby can now move its joints and is starting to develop sweat glands

Total Weight Gain: As of last week I had gained almost 3 kilos which is about 6 pounds. I feel like if I post this for other people to see then I have a reason to hold myself accountable and try to watch how much I eat.

Gender: No news yet. Everyone in my family and most people at work tell me they think its a boy. One friend at work thinks its a girl and Zann's aunt. Kathy, had a dream we are going to have a girl this week. She used to have dreams about what her friends were having, and she was only wrong once. We are going back to the Dr. on the 25th, so maybe we can find out then.

Movement: I haven't felt anything that feels like a kick or an arm, but sometimes I can feel something hard in my lower stomach. Also a couple times a day it feels like I have a baseball moving through me. I am guessing this is might be the baby moving positions but am not sure. Zann has tried to feel for something but can only feel that my belly is a lot harder below my belly button.

Cravings: This week I have not been eating as healthy. I have felt like having pasta for dinner almost every night, but I have tried to be good and resisted a couple nights for us to have some vegetables also. Tuesday night I kept telling Zann all I wanted to eat was Cheez-Its and pretzles together and a bag of gummy bears. I could not get that out of my head. Zann was so sweet and came home with all sorts of treats for me the next day. They don't sell Cheez-Its here or anything close so Zann found lots of other goodies for us.

I also have discovered something at school that will not be very good for my weight gain. We have a wonderful cafeteria at school and they make fresh muffins, croissiants, and bagels (which is the only place in Switzerland you can find bagels) every morning. I almost always bring my breakfast to school but it is nice to go down there if I don't have time to bring something. Well last week I found out they will make you a breakfast sandwhich if you request it early. I have just let myself have one a week but they are to die for so it might become a problem :)

And yes that is a cheese bagel it comes on with cream cheese added to the bacon, egg, and cheese.

Symptoms: I am still feeling great most of the time. After work this week I was pretty exhausted and only made it to the gym one night.

Best Moment this week: My stomach is starting to look a little bit like I am pregnant which makes me so excited.  It makes it seem much more real to us. We are both just so excited and talk about the little baby all the time. Our biggest blessing has been to hear that our little baby is healthy and I am so thankful for this everyday.

These pictures were taken about 10 second apart and look totally different. 

We started watching a birthing class video and that has made it seem like "ok this is really going to happen". I know its really early to think about this but a friend recommended it and she needs it back next week. Zann is now a pro a figuring out what all the numbers the doctor will rattle off mean. He is going to have to keep practicing since everything we will be hearing at the hospital will be in German.

Last time we were at the dr's he signed me up to deliver at Hirslanden and I received my introducation package from them earlier this week. It looks like it has tons of great information, but too bad I can't read any of it since it is in German :(

I am going to have to find a patient German speaking person to translate the binder and folder for me. It has many cute little pictures that help your get an idea of what it will be like to deliver a baby there. I am very excited about going to this hospital. First of all it is literally right across the street from our house, but it is also very nice inside and Roger Federer's wife delivered thier twins there.

It's a....

Very healthy looking baby. haha

We weren't able to find out if we are having a boy or girl yesterday but are more than happy to report that everything looks great. Baby Hawkins is moving all around and even learning how to suck its little thumb.

I think I felt the baby move for the first time yesterday. It was such a neat feeling. I can definitely feel the presence of something in my stomach and it has begun to get a little bump, so in next weeks picture you might be able to tell.

Cheers to five little fingers!

16 Weeks

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Hawkins is now about the size of an avacado. 4 1/2 inches long and weighs 3 1/2 ounces.

Baby Development: The baby has started growing toenails. How cute is that?? It's head is also more erect, and it's eyes have moved closer to the front of his of her head...so that's good.  The little baby's heart is working hard, pumping 25 quarts of blood everyday. A big growth spurt is about the happen. In the next couple weeks, he or she will double its weight and add a couple inches in length.

Total Weight Gain: I will see on Wednesday. Two vacations in two weeks has sure not helped.

Gender: We might be able to find out at the appointment on Wednesday. We are like two kids at Christmas excited!

Movement: I haven't felt anything that I have known for sure is the baby. A couple times I have felt little bubbles which according to Baby Center is the first signs of feeling the baby.

Cravings: Lemonade and drinks with ice! While Zann enjoyed the specialty beers of Belgium, I enjoyed all different types of lemon flavored Fanta, icetea, juice, and ice cream. I am loving drinks with ice in them so I have been using our one little ice tray to stock up on ice.

Symptoms: I am feeling great and besides always having to go to the bathroom don't even feel as if I am pregnant.

Best Moment this week: While we were in Brussels, Zann and I found a shady spot to take a nap one day. When I woke up I swear my belly had grown it was much harder below my belly button. It has felt like this two other nights but not as much during the day.
Today we went and picked up a dresser for the baby's room. Now, I'm starting to have a picture of what the nursery will look like. I can't wait to start picking everything out!
We also both made lists of names that we like for a boy and a girl and shared them with each other.  It was the first time we have talked about names at all so no decision has been made. But we were both very happy that we were on the same page!!

We had such a nice long weekend away and then relaxing for two days. Tomorrow is back to reality. I am going to the doctor on Wednesday morning so I will update with any new we learn then!

About to take the baby belly outside for some exercise!

A little tiny bump is on the way. Mrs. TenHoeve and my mom brought me a couple of these maternity shirts and I am loving them!

Bulletin Board Make Over and Apt Updates

I think my nesting hormones are starting to kick in and I have felt the need to update many things in our apartment. This is not the easiest task when there is not a Target or any other store to buy cute pillows or fabric. So I had to get a bit on the creative side. I found inspiration to update our bulletin board from Honey We're Home .  It was serving its function but looking a bit bland in our kitchen.

I ordered 2 yards of Lovely Lattice fabric from fabric.com and a lady that works with my dad was nice enough to deliver it to me in Zurich. I ordered extra so I could make a runner for our kitchen table. First, I spray painted the frame of the board in a gray color. The selection of spray paint here is very slim and the title is in German so I have no idea what kind I bought.

I had paper taped on the board so the paint would not get on the cork but it was a windy day and I was tired of fighting with the paper so this is how it ended up.

Next I traced the fabric to fit the board. Then I ironed it a couple times and glued it onto the board.

Then I tried adding white tumb tacks for the border but they didn't look right with the off white in the fabric so I decided to spray paint them gray. I did not realize how time comsuming spray painting tacks is but it was worth it.

Here is my crazy contraption in the process. I tried putting them in the box, spraying then shaking the box to get the pins at a different angle but they were getting all sticky. So here was the solution. 400 pins put into a card board box to paint. I was pretty proud of my creativity here.

The view from my bedroom window of the crazy set up drying. I also spray painted our desk organizer to match.

And the final product!

With the left over fabric from the bulletin board I decided to make a runner for our kitchen table. The table is nothing fancy so this brightens it up a little bit. I just used Stitch Witchery to put it together which was very easy and it seems to be holding up well.

Since the kitchen got a change, the family room needed one too. I ordered 4 pillow covers from etsy.com in the same Lovely Latice fabric. My Dad's coworker also brought these over for us. I just had to buy 4 inserts from Ikea and a new look for the family room.

Ordering the pillow covers was such a easy and reasonable way to change up a room. When you only have one room to in your apartment besides the bedroom it gets a little boring after a while. I will definatley be switching out pillow covers to change things up from time to time.

I also ordered this needle point pillow from zulily. I actually ordered two so we would have one on each couch. But one never showed up. I was pretty dissapointed but there are not any others in stock :(

Now if we could just figure out a way to make our pictures stay on the wall. The walls are cemement so drilling is a big process and one we will have to fix when we move out. Velcro had been working for a couple months but now it keeps giving out.

The pink paper on the wall is for a picture project coming soon. You can see the frames next to the couch. Now I just need to find a way to order the correct size pictures.

15 Weeks

15 Weeks

No update from 14 weeks because I was too busy enjoying my time with my Mom, Susie, and the TenHoeves in Italy. Here is a pic from our trip that you can kind of see my belly in.

How Far Along: 15 Weeks

Size of baby: The babe is 4 inches long crown to rump so maybe about 5 inches with its little legs. This is about the size of an apple and he or she weighs 2 1/2 ounces. 

Baby Development: The babe can move all of its joints and limbs and can sense light.

Total Weight Gain: Not so sure. I forgot to weigh myself at the gym the past two days. Probably a little too much after all our yummy food in Italy.

Gender: We can possibly find out next week.
Movement: The babe is moving all around but I can't feel it yet. My stomach will feel really tight sometimes or I will feel a small cramp so maybe that is the baby moving.

What I miss: I did miss out on the wine in Italy but there were plenty of other good things to make up for it. 
Cravings: Last week of course it was pizza, pasta, pesto, and gelato. Today I woke up having to have chocolate. I found a bag of chocolate chips in our basement and ate a good portion of that. I told Zann that it wasn't a craving it was a necessity because there was nothing else I could think about besides chocolate.
Symptoms: Tonight I was moving very slowly. I went to yoga this morning and was feeling great. Then I went for a walk while Zann was running and I seriously felt 9 months pregnant.  I was walking so slowly and could not get my legs to move any faster. My stomach felt so tight so maybe the little babe was growing or moving.
Best Moment this week: Having my mom and sister around for a couple days after our trip was so much fun. Mom and I did some shopping downtown, and we moved around our guest room furniture to see where we will put the baby furniture. I am so glad we did this because things didn't fit where I was expecting. We did move everything back to its original place, so guests are still welcome :)

So no sign of a real baby bump yet. In the morning my stomach is so flat that I swear I'm skinnier than before I was pregnant. Then, by the end of the night, it really fills out to the "I ate too much" look. When I push my stomach out as far as I can it looks like I am 6 months pregnant. It is so weird. I guess my skin is just getting ready for the growing it will be doing soon. Next week, I'll have to wear a tighter shirt that shows the shape more since the tunic doesn't really give the full effect.

13 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights 13 Weeks

How Far Along: 13 Weeks
Size of baby: 3 inches long (the size of a small shrimp) and weighs an ounce.
Baby Development: The baby has formed tiny finger tips
Total Weight Gain: about 3 pounds
Gender: Hopefully we can find out at the next appointment on April 27th but the Dr. said we maybe have to wait until 20 weeks :(
Movement: Can’t feel it yet.
Sleep: Pretty good, but still getting up at least once a night.
What I miss: Nothing right now but I know I am going to be missing a glass of wine at the end of this week while we are in Italy.
Cravings: Fruit in a big way. I bought 25chf worth of fruit yesterday at the grocery store and have already eaten about 1/3 of it today.
Symptoms: Feeling great!
Best Moment this week: My Mom, sister, and the TenHoeve girls are coming this week for a girls road trip to Italy. We are also picking up some baby furniture tonight from a friend.
Quote of the week: “Mrs. Hawkins I think you need extra chocolate so you get one for you and one for your baby.” “The day your told us you were having a baby was the best day of my life!”- 2 of my students

Not too much of a baby belly yet. It just looks like I have had too many burritos at Chipotle :)

12 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 12 Weeks
Size of baby: The baby is about 2 inches long (the size of a lime) and weighs about a half of an ounce.

Baby Development: The baby's reflexes are starting to develop and it can open and close it's fingers and toes.

Total Weight Gain: about 3 pounds
Favorite thing to wear: My clothes all feel tight but I don't really have a belly yet. I am in the in between stage but I can't wait for my mom and sister to bring me some new things this week!

Gender: Hopefully we can find out at the next appointment on April 27th but the Dr. said we maybe had to wait until 20 weeks :(

Movement: I can't feel the baby move but it sure is moving all around. The doctor had to move it into a different position for measurement this week. The doctor was poking my stomach and we could watch the baby move and jump all around.

Sleep: Pretty good, but still getting up at least once a night.

What I miss: Subway! I think I am just missing all convienent American places to get something to eat fast. I have no been in the mood for cooking lately.

Cravings: Smoothies in a big way! We finally found some frozen fruit and Zann and I have been having smoothies everyday. We have even had them at dinner time a night or two. We jut put in yogurt, a bananna, frozen berries, and ice so at least its a little bit healthy.

Symptoms: I have had a bad cold all this week so it has just wiped me out. I did not make it to the gym one time this week.

Best Moment this week: Going to the doctor and seeing the baby move all around and tell my class about the baby.
Telling my class was the funniest thing. I brought them cookies and told them we were going to have a celebration at the end of the day. When I told them I put the baby's picture on the Smart Board and they just starting screaming and clapping. Then the girls started all chanting "its a girl, its a girl" and the boys "boy, boy,boy". If anyone in the school did not know I was pregnant, they do now because the whole school heard the children screaming. They have been rubbing and kissing my belly all day.

Quote of the week: My class said some pretty funny things and I am sure they will say many more.
"I thought when I looked at your stomach it looked bigger today"
" You're going to have a baby? Oh no my mom said that hurts soooo much!"
"We can't wait until you get really fat"
"I will give you two chocolate, one for you and one for the baby"

11 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 11 Weeks

Size of baby:The baby is the size of a fig. About an 1 1/2 inches long. 

Baby Development: Tiny tooth buds are beginning to form and its bones are beginning to harden 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: The scale at the gym still says about 1 kilo so 2.2 pounds. But since I only went to the gym once this week, who knows. We will see next week at the doctor. 

Favorite thing to wear: Today I felt huge wearing a skirt and a sweater. I think it just hit at the wrong spot. So no more skirts for me. I can't wait until my mom comes to bring me some dresses to wear with leggings. 

Gender: We will be finding out the gender and can’t wait! But we have to wait until at least 16 weeks.

Movement: No baby movement felt yet. It is kicking a lot in my stomach though.

Sleep: Sleeping has gotten a bit better this week. I have been trying to drink less at night and it is working.

What I miss: Nothing really this week!

Cravings: Still carbs but my craving for salt has gone down a lot. The thought of making salad at home makes me want to gag. I brought salad for lunch 2 days this week and couldn't eat it either day. So I need to start eating more vegetables. I like the salad at school and was able to eat that two days this week. 

Symptoms: Monday morning I woke up feeling like a new woman and felt great all day and made it to yoga that night. Tuesday night I got on the couch and then got sick about 5 times. Not so fun. But Wednesday I felt fine again.

This is how I was feeling Tuesday night. 

Best Moment this week: Sharing the news with some special friends.

Quote of the week: Zann "Do people really sniff their baby's butts? I am not doing that and if I do I am going to write it down and make him pay me 5 dollars for every time when he gets a job"

Someone to me: "You don't look pregnant yet, you just look like you have gained weight"

10 Weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 10 Weeks

Size of baby: Less than a quarter of an ounce. The baby is the size of a kumquat (small orange) so about an inch long.

Baby Development: The baby can now bend its limbs!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: The scale at the gym says about 1 kilo or 2.2 pounds. But the scale at the dr. said I weighed less.

Favorite thing to wear: No maternity clothes yet, but my pants are beginning to feel tighter.

Gender: We will be finding out the gender and can’t wait! But we have to wait until at least 16 weeks.

Movement: No baby movement felt yet. It is kicking a lot in my stomach though.

Sleep: I am falling asleep very easily but have been waking up 2 or 3 times a night to use the bathroom. I have also been waking up very early and not able to fall back asleep.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night!

Cravings: Carbs and fruit. I have to eat something big for breakfast or I start to feel sick. I have been hungry a lot more lately. I tried to just bring a salad for lunch this week but I was still starving and had to get a sandwich. I eat many snacks through out the day because if I even start to feel hungry I feel like I am going to faint.

Symptoms: Extreme tiredness!! Before lunch time and at the end of the school day I feel like I am going to fall over.

Best Moment this week: Sharing the news with some special friends.

Quote of the week: Me to Zann "I just wish you would get me a catheter so ~I didn't have to get out of bed or get off the couch so much."

 9 Weeks

 10 Weeks

10 Weeks

Thailand- Heaven on Earth

 Ahhh I miss it already!! This was a much needed vacation for Zann and me. I know it may seem like we go on vacation alot and that is true but we had not been somewhere to just relax in a long time. Including Christmas break and this trip I have been on 17 flights in two months. And that in itself is exhausting. So with February break coming up we wanted to go somewhere warm where we could just spend time on the beach and relax. Well, a place with that description is not easy to find around Europe so Thailand was suprisingly the easiest choice. Since we moved, I have dreamed of going to Asia but never thought it would actually happen. And now that we have been, we want to go back!

After arriving in Bangkok we got right on a flight to Koh Samui. We stayed at the beautiful Peace Resort. It was the perfect place for us. Right on the beach with a nice pool, breakfast included, a bath tub on the porch, and a 5 minute walk on the beach to the town.
Well I don't have too many stories about Koh Samui because each day we did the exact same thing. We slept in and ate breakfast on the beach. Then spent some time reading and enjoying the scenary at the beach or in the pool. In the afternoon, I would get a massage on the beach while Zann would go to happy hour. Then we would get ready and walk on the beach to town to get dinner. And the next day get up to start all over again. So I will just share some pictures...

 Peace Resort- Koh Samui

Zann enjoying breakfast

 View from chairs at the pool

 Fisherman's Village- Koh Samui

 Happy Hour and appetizers for dinner on the beach

 Walking from our room to the beach

 Thai massage- 10 bucks for an hour massage on the beach. Can't beat that!

 Zann waiting on a chicken kabob for lunch

 Happiest man on the beach

 Off to Bangkok

Saying good bye to Koh Samui and the beautiful airport.