L, Is For The Way You Look, At Me

Ok, Ladies. (guys you know it's not for you) What is one of the greatest gifts you could receive for Valentine's Day? Chocolate? Roses? Diamonds? Ive gotten all of those for this unnecessary holiday before. And I can tell you, all of these are so overrated compared to hearing your baby's heartbeat for the very first time. That's right. 173 beats per minute of pure bliss. We had our second ultrasound on Valentine's Day and heard the most beautiful sound. The tears definitely appeared in I think both Jason and I's eyes. And here's a picture of out lil guy. (ok fine or girl)

And the only thing that made it an even more perfect moment was that the most amazing man I've ever known was right beside me. He's been so wonderful throughout this entire process. I know the process hasn't been that long yet, but he's supported me every step of the way and I know will continue to do so for the rest of our lives together raising our child(ren) from infancy to adult and all the learning years in between.

Here's a rundown of the symptoms and the effect (or affect I always get confused on those) they have on me.  This is what Jason has had to put up with for the past 9 weeks...

• nausea - deep breaths, nothing sounds good to eat, quiet, don't move much, sleep
• vomiting - eww, just eww, and sleep
• headaches - don't move much, quiet, sleep
• dizziness - nauseated, car sick, don't move much
• smells - i smell EVERYTHING, and most make me nauseated
• leg cramps - restless sleep, irritability
• vivid (a.k.a. weird) dreams - confused, restless sleep
• trouble sleeping - tired, irritated
• emotional - I'm usually very even keeled, i've already found myself crying at things that are so stupid and simple
• bloating - uncomfortable, sit on the couch with my pants and zipper undone
• bra bloating - walk in the door, bra goes off, running is not fun
• frequent urination - irritated, uncomfortable, no jumping 
• food cravings/aversions - i used to love veggies! not so much now, the more substance and grease a food has the better,  mashed potatoes and gravy are oh so delic,oooooh and sherbet ice cream! yummy! I might get a bowl right now...
• gaseous - can anyone say covered wagon? a.k.a dutch oven? poor Jason...
• bleeding gums - yep, almost every morning. I know weird
• heartburn - even though this baby is 1/4 Mexican, it doesn't like spicy food as much as it's Mommy. 
• fatigue - tired, tired, tired ALL-THE-TIME, permanent zombie-like state

This has been me every evening for the last 9 weeks...

With all of the "negative" symptoms, one feeling wipes them all away. Four simple letters. LOVE. LOVE for my Father who has seem me as worthy to be this child's mommy. LOVE for my husband whom is already the best partner and best friend and is going to be the greatest father on earth. LOVE for my mom (and dad) for all the sacrifices they went through raising me. And LOVE for this child that is only the size of a olive right now. (yuck, I hate olives) I look forward to meeting God's idea of the perfect combination of Jason and I in about 31 weeks, give or take a couple. 

You know I've always known what a miracle pregnancy and childbirth was. But I didn't really have a clear grasp on it until now. I am in awe of how God has created the woman perfectly to grow, protect, and nurture a baby. And how God has created man and woman to get the process started. He has all of the power in the world to do it on His own (see the story of Mary) and yet His way is for man and woman to be united in His name, and then create, grow, love and cherish their children. Again, for one reason. Because He loves us and wants to see us enjoy good things. And he does afterall command us this in Genesis 9:7: "As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it." Jason and I are simply obeying :-)