my pregnancy: week 12

I feel like this every week, but time just flies! Initially when we first found out I was pregnant it felt like time was standing still until 8 weeks. I wanted to wait until then to announce it, so I’m sure that had something to so with it. Now that the word’s out, time just soars!

How’s baby growing?

Week 12 means we’re at plum status!

I can’t say I did a very good job picking out the fruit this time. Either I got a small plum, or a big lime, cause last week’s lime was a tad bigger than this weeks plum. Whoops!

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby’s fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won’t be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby’s brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long and weighs half an ounce. — from Babycenter

How I’m feeling?

This week a lot of things have mellowed out. Compared to last week my emotions are in check, and nausea is down a lot more… well except on one day.

Last Thursday my mom and I went to the opera to see The Marriage of Figero. It’s an annual thing we do. It ran pretty late, ending around 11pm. Even though it was a silly opera, we both had trouble staying awake. I got home, took care of some stuff and was fast asleep by midnight. The next morning I was determined to go to my usual Friday morning workout. I was up at 5am and arrived there just before 5:30am to an empty parking lot. I check and the community center was closed for veterans day! I went home and ended up just starting the day. Had I known it was closed I could have slept an extra hour.

Heather on 5 hours of sleep is not a very happy Heather. I felt like death, extremely nauseous all day just waiting for 5pm to roll around so I could head to the couch when I got home.

But other than that, a little bit of nausea for a couple hours in the morning is all I deal with. Not bad at all!

One change that I’ve noticed is that I’m not a morning person as much as I used to be. Could be my need for 9-10 hours of sleep, but I don’t jump out of bed with a permi-smile on my face like I used to. Now it’s more like snooze a few times until I can’t snooze anymore, then roll out of bed. Very different.

How I’m moving

While my fitness remains about the same, I’m noticing a lack in motivation. It’s no trouble for me to teach classes, I love that, but it’s more challenging to get motivation to workout by myself. I’m still l.o.v.i.n.g running, once I’m out there. It’s just getting myself started. Me thinks I need a workout partner to help with that. Or, maybe once I’m not as sleepy I’ll find my motivation again.

What I’m eating

I’m so happy to say that my entire veggie love is back! I’ve been munching on salads just about every day, or at least an entire cucumber. What can I say…. I love cucumbers again!!

But I’m also loving other things…

Yes, we’ve got a warm Krispy Kreme donut here. When I was in high school I’d go there all the time with my brothers when the light was on for a free donut. Jacob and I were nearby and the light was on, so we stopped in. They lied this time though. The light was on and they made me pay for my ‘free’ donut. Uncool KK, uncool. Still delicious.

Opera night my mom and I went to the Olive Garden and I just couldn’t put down the breadsticks. Delish.

So as you can see, I’m allowing myself to indulge. About every day I have some sort of goodie. Like this delicious GF blueberry vanilla crumb cake I plan to share on Friday.

Many forkfuls before dinner only ruined my appetite a little 🙂

Things I’m over now: yogurt, pickles and super vinegary things, still the thought of pretzels.

Things I’m way into: almonds, almond butter, fresh fruit, green smoothies, chocolate covered raisins (or chocolate covered anything), cereal, cocoa banana, oh yeah and sweets 🙂

Random bits

• Baby bump: I’m hoping my belly pops in a week when we see family for thanksgiving. If not before, I’m sure it will after the feast.
• How far along: 12 weeks, 7 days
• Total weight gained: 6.5-7.5 lb
• Best way I’ve found to cure my low back pain: sitting on an exercise ball at work, seriously
• Number of huge tubs I’ve filled so far cleaning up my closet room/nursery: 2… so far
• Next haircut: Monday!

I’m hoping the weeks just keep getting better. Just one more to go in this first trimester!

Question: I’m still always cold. When will I get warm all the time? I’ve heard that pregnant women are a lot more warm and I’m just waiting for that to happen!

Heather