I have a close friend who makes a conscious effort never to complain about pregnancy as a sensitive observance to those who are having difficulty conceiving or adopting a child...She is awesome. <3
I'm not her.
Pregnancy SUCKS 95% of the time. A few people have heard me say, "I thought pregnancy would be an intimate time when I can bond with my growing baby. Just me and the baby in our tabernacle of love...but I pretty much just want to pop the kid out and sell it to the circus lately." Bonding is difficult when the "precious life growing inside me" is the cause of every threat to vomit...ten million times a day, every headache, every midnight whimper for trying to get comfortable, hospital visits for painful hernias, a trip down memory lane to my 14 year old acne problems, WAY too many irrational tears shed, a furry belly, dry skin, and exhaustion that makes you wonder if you ALSO came down with mono...or cancer.
Aaaand then the wonderful feeling I get when I remember I ASKED for this. I knelt next to my bed and BEGGED for this...hahahaha, oh life. You got me again.
Naw, but seriously. I'm sure it's all worth it yada yada. I love babies/toddlers/kids... I am excited to get to raise my own with just Clynn and I. I am excited to get to fall in love with one and not have them ripped away when their parents move, I move, or they decide to move onto a new nanny. I won't have to miss them on weekends or compete with their parents for fair amounts of love and respect. Nope. I'll be the Mom. I'll get to keep this one. :)
I am excited for baby snuggles, new family traditions, WAY too many pictures, baby clothes, baby toes, preparing meals, doing laundry, toddler crafts, annoying songs, reading the same book over and over...I am excited for it all! (Right now...:)
So follow my journey through pregnancy on this page! Feel free to share your tips, ask me for mine, disagree, or sit back and nod in reverent agreement.
Love,
Jaclynn Wilkinson
15 Weeks
How far along? 15 weeks today. Baby W is the size of a PEAR!
Current due date: February 18, 2015
Were you trying? ABSOLUTELY. Some friends and family know we have been trying for almost a year. Crazy how even MONTHS of research, preparation, and anticipation can still result in utter and complete shock when you FINALLY see a positive test! After months of heartbreak seeing negative after negative and my husband being SOO patient with the fortune I've spent on fancy pregnancy tests, I have to say I am THRILLED with the timing on this. Everything couldn't be falling into place more perfectly.
Total weight gain/loss: In my first trimester I got VERY sick and lost around five pounds. I have now worked up to one pound below my pre pregnancy weight so I hope I'll be seeing that scale climb soon so I can stop worrying!
Maternity Clothes? Not yet! Though, I did buy some medium sized shirts and a couple new bras to accommodate the new solar system I decided to start growing. Also, if you are female and don't know the hair tie trick, you NEED to learn it! I've used it even on bloated days before I was pregnant and now use it about 50% of the time.
Stretch marks? Nope! I am so excited for my Honest Company Belly Balm that came in the mail just five minutes ago! I am starting to get a little itchy, though, I don't know if the feeling sprouts from growth or the fact that Baby W has been drying out all my skin everywhere! (I am also in love with Burt's Bees Radiance Day Cream!)
Best moment this week: I came down with an umbilical hernia in my first trimester that was TERRIBLY painful. I was worried I would have to cope with the pain for many weeks, but the discomfort has all but disappeared this week! I know I had some prayers going up with me in mind and for that I am VERY grateful. One more shout out to the PHENOMENAL surgeon who took the time to massage my hernia back into place and teach me how to care for it. He truly had skilled hands as every previous doctor to touch my stomach I pretty much wanted to punch in the face. Also, we scheduled the appointment for our gender ultrasound!
We are anxious to put a real name to Baby W & start SHOPPING!! <3
Miss anything? I miss sit ups. I miss being able to lift the big toddlers in my life. I miss being vegan (more on that later) however, I still EXTREMELY limit my animal dairy intake. (Don't worry crazies, there are many forms of dairy these days!) I also miss letting the puppies jump all over me. I don't like them walking across my belly anymore. Once in a while, I miss when this whole experience was just mine and Clynn's precious little secret, but we know this baby will be loved and adored by many so we couldn't keep W from friends and family thoughts and prayers any longer.
Movement? Call me crazy but YES. I first felt the baby about a week ago. Drinking orange juice on an empty belly will get this baby grooving. I am excited for W to get strong enough to give Clynn a little kick. <3
Have you started to show yet? I suppose the legitimate answer to this is no? Those photos were taken close to 14 weeks. However, after I eat it sure is allot more difficult to hold in. I am definitely showing when it comes to the eyes of those who know me best and pay attention throughout the day. My Aunt Julie saw a little bump, sister Mariah says she can tell when she looks, and Clynn can definitely tell. I certainly feel like I am showing more some days than others.
Looking forward to: Seeing some healthy weight gain so I can stop worrying that it'll never happen, finding out gender, and moving into our new apartment in Texas!!
(There are a few more little questions on this survey that aren't yet applicable. I'll add them on in weeks to come. I am aiming to do a "bumpdate" every three weeks.)
Lastly, the past few weeks of telling our closest friends and family has come with such a wave of emotion. Worry that all the wait to make sure we announce at the safest time possible would still end in heartbreak, slightly overwhelmed that some would put too much pressure on us as new parents, heart thumping like never before as each parent and grandparent discovered what we were trying to tell them in our tricky little ways, smiling so big that we were making memories in places that would imprint on our hearts forever...
THANK YOU for the warm, kind, welcome, and loving memories everyone. These have been some of the most joy filled days of my life. I sincerely love you all.
The Wilkinson Family
18 Weeks
How far along? 18 weeks today. Baby W is the size of a SWEET POTATO!
Current due date: February 18, 2015
Total weight gain: None. I think perhaps because muscle is heavier, I may have lost muscle and gained some fat to replace it. Probably why I've yet to see any real numbers.
Maternity clothes? Not yet! Still working well with the bigger shirts and bras I bought around week 14. I think I may need to get another bra soon.
Stretch marks? Still no with fingers crossed. I armor up with my Honest Co. Belly Balm after every shower!
Best moments of the past three weeks: I felt actual kicks! Clynn has felt a 'roll' and was pretty excited. I am excited for him to catch a kick. It won't be long!
Miss anything? I miss 'nesting' and the urge is definitely getting stronger.
Movement? YES. TONS. I have been spoiled so much with it that I already get nervous if I haven't felt him/her in a few hours. Very active baby. :)
Food Cravings: FRUIT, Iced lemon water (with LOTS of lemon!), air popped cheddar popcorn, raw broccoli with ranch for dipping, apples with peanut butter, skittles, aaaand pita chips.
Have you started to show yet? A little, yes! :) Definitely still hide-able though.
Gender: Clynn & I recently decided, we think we'll wait a while longer to find out. :) The mystery has gotten kind of fun and we like the idea of having another aspect of our baby to just us for a bit. I won't be buying much for a while anyways until we get settled in our new place. Also, if we wait another month or so, we could find out via 3D/4D ultasound! For now, I'm really liking teal, grey, and yellow. Possibly a gender neutral shower around the corner! ;)
Rings on or off? On!
Looking forward to: First, my big sister having her baby in the next couple weeks! Second, finding out when we get to leave for TX! (We should know by this weekend.) Third, getting to see our babies little lips and cheeks via 3D/4D ultrasound!
Most fun baby related story of the past 3 weeks
Last night, Clynn and I went on a much needed date to Olive Garden. We realized that sense the baby has developed better hearing, we haven't been anywhere noisy at all. All the chatter and background noise had baby W bouncing like CRAZY! I even got a kick so strong, it made me gasp and jump out of surprise!! Sorry for sheltering you baby...we really do like to go out. haha I think W slept very soundly after such an active evening for his/her little brain. <3
I can't believe I can feel him/her react to new experiences already!
With Love,
All THREE (plus two; ruff ruff!) Wilkinson's
21 Weeks
We are officially over HALF WAY to meeting Baby W!!!
How far along? 21 weeks today. Baby is the size of a cantaloupe!
(approximately 10.51 inches and 12.70 oz)
(approximately 10.51 inches and 12.70 oz)
Current due date: February 18, 2015
Total weight gain: about 5 pounds
Maternity clothes? Nope...well...kinda. I bought a new bra with no under wire. SO COMFY for my expanding rib cage. I also bought a small collection of size Large shirts atRue 21. The mediums are fitting perfectly, so I figured I better be prepared for some more growth! Still using the hair tie trick on all my pre pregnancy jeans!
Stretch marks? Nothing yet! I am getting nervous though. I had a stretch mark nightmare you wouldn't believe! I have been mentally preparing for what may be inevitable and still keeping my skin as hydrated as possible.
Best moments of the past three weeks: Clynn felt a few big kicks at 19 weeks! One of my best friends had a super fun baby shower thrown by her Relief Society. I started crossing off items on the baby shopping list. Also, My big sister had her first baby a week and a half ago! Check out this winkin' cutie!!! We all just love her like crazy.
Adelynn Elizabeth
Miss anything? 1) I miss 'nesting' and the urge is definitely getting stronger. 2) When we lived in Renton, I would tan and then hot tub by myself almost every evening. It was such a relaxing way to end the day. I've been missing that too, now that it's getting chilly!
Movement? YES. TONS. Also, I always imagined the baby's kicks would be on my belly all the time...well...they're not. Baby likes to bounce off my bladder and miscellaneous guts all the time now. Woo!! haha
Food Cravings: Ice lemon water and all of my regular breakfast foods. I want breakfast for pretty much every meal. Whole grain English muffins with Peanut butter and strawberries or/and bananas on top, grapefruit, kiwi, any fruit (except melons for some reason), Babybel cheese with wheat thins, Mini Wheats with almond milk, apples and peanut butter, walnuts and fresh prunes (the refrigerated kind), Orange Carrot Naked juice, Lara Bars, and Cream of Wheat. (I also have the occasional craving for Ramen noodles, but I make sure not to have more than 2 packs a week now. I'm sure it's just the sodium I'm craving.)
Have you started to show yet? I think so. It's not super defined, but I definitely would be suspicious if I knew me. haha Definitely more so in the evenings.
Gender: Still being patient. 5 more weeks until we can do a 3D/4D!
Rings on or off? On!
Looking forward to: Clynn starting his new job, school to start for me, Kelsie to have her baby, moving into our new apartment, more baby shopping, and getting to see little W on the ultrasound screen!!
Love,
The Wilkinson's
It really is true what they say about the second trimester going by
SO QUICKLY.
How far along? 24 weeks today. Baby is the size of an ear of corn and has about a 50% chance of survival outside the womb with extensive care!
Bravo NICU device inventors and operators.
(about 12.5 inches and 1.25 lbs)
Current due date: February 18, 2015
Total weight gain: 9 lbs
Maternity clothes? Belly Belt & fold over (yoga pant style) leggings. I probably wear black fold over leggings four days a week now. They're just SOO comfy and cozy for fall and my growing belly. PLUS, I know when I buy them that I can still wear them after W is born!
Bravo NICU device inventors and operators.
(about 12.5 inches and 1.25 lbs)
Current due date: February 18, 2015
Total weight gain: 9 lbs
Maternity clothes? Belly Belt & fold over (yoga pant style) leggings. I probably wear black fold over leggings four days a week now. They're just SOO comfy and cozy for fall and my growing belly. PLUS, I know when I buy them that I can still wear them after W is born!
(I just don't quiet look like this in them right now. hahaha)
Stretch marks? Nope. I rub Belly Balm and/or Lotion on my hips and belly about three times a day now that I can feel my skin starting to work hard to keep up.
Best moments of the past three weeks: FINALLY getting our insurance drama taken care of. (Long story...but it hasn't been fun.) We are so grateful for Clynn's new job being able to have us double covered before the baby gets here! Second, we can now WATCH the baby roll and kick and push pretty much all day by just looking at my belly. It was a little freaky at first, but I probably spend about an hour a day just watching him/her move. <3
Miss anything? Nothing really other than having our own place. Just two more months! Getting our debts taken care of pre baby will definitely be worth the temporary lack of personal space.
A big THANK YOU to my in laws for giving us the opportunity to get caught up. <3
Oh! Also, I miss my pre pregnancy complexion. =P
Miss anything? Nothing really other than having our own place. Just two more months! Getting our debts taken care of pre baby will definitely be worth the temporary lack of personal space.
A big THANK YOU to my in laws for giving us the opportunity to get caught up. <3
Oh! Also, I miss my pre pregnancy complexion. =P
Movement: More than I ever thought was possible to feel. Sometimes it just gets distracting and ridiculous...I think I might be pregnant with the Tasmanian Devil. If it's a boy, I think I will nick name him Taz. Where as it's fun, I am looking forward to W gaining more weight and running out of 'wind up' room. haha
Food cravings: PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE!!!! Olive Garden has the most AMAZING pumpkin cheesecake and whereas we've only gone to get it once so far this season, I think about it pretty much every day. My sister in law, Emelia, made a DELICIOUS pumpkin cheesecake yesterday and brought some home to share. MMMMM Also, Stacy's Pretzel Thins w/ original flavored hummus, dinosaur chicken nuggets, and pineapple. Once in a while, I start to crave foods I had in Hondo. or Guatemala...but I am careful to shut those down real quickly without too much whining or wishing for a plane ticket... =/
Have you started to show yet? YEP!
Gender: TO BE ANNOUNCED THANKSGIVING DAY!!!!! <3 <3 <3
Labor Signs: I came close to getting in a car accident a bit ago and am certain I felt a contraction as a result of my sudden and extreme onset of anxiety. Other than that, no real braxton hicks, I don't think. Sometimes, the baby will push his/her legs out in one area of my belly and just HOOOLDD that position like he/she is trying to make more room. haha. That's not comfortable at all and I use those moments to breathe and think of them as "mini practice contractions".
Belly Button in or out? Mostly in.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Looking forward to: Paying off all of our non long term debts in the next few months! Announcing W's gender on Thanksgiving Day. Deciding on an apartment complex. My new phone coming in the mail. Aaand the next time I get pumpkin cheesecake!
Clynn and I are SO SO excited to have W as a forever member of our family! We ask that extended family and friends be patient with us as we learn to share while staying within our rather private comfort zones. We love you all and have been so grateful for your concern and support. <3
With love,
The Wilkinson III Family
27 Weeks
Goodbye feet.
HELLO, THIRD TRIMESTER!
Aaaand these are the kind of belly shots I get when I've waited way too long to do them so there is no day light and the husband is tired and ready for dinner...It's been a long day everyone.
How far along? 27 weeks today. Baby is the size of a large Papaya and has an 80-95% chance of survival outside the womb! Last week, our ultrasound technician said Baby W weighs about 1lb 12oz, about 14 inches long, and is currently in the 40th percentile when compared to other babies of the same age. :) Current due date: February 18, 2015
Total weight gain: 13 lbs
Maternity clothes? Still using the Belly Belt & wearing my fold over (yoga pant style) leggings. I slip into jeans a couple times a week still, though they're definitely not my favorite any more. =P I may need to break down and buy a maternity pair soon. I'll start keeping an eye out on my shopping trips for W. (I am very picky, so please no maternity clothes as gifts!)
Maternity clothes? Still using the Belly Belt & wearing my fold over (yoga pant style) leggings. I slip into jeans a couple times a week still, though they're definitely not my favorite any more. =P I may need to break down and buy a maternity pair soon. I'll start keeping an eye out on my shopping trips for W. (I am very picky, so please no maternity clothes as gifts!)
Stretch marks? Nothing as of now! Still rubbing Belly Balm and/or Lotion on my hips and belly three times a day and a little every time I feel an itch.
Best moments of the past three weeks: I treated myself to a gel manicure a couple weeks ago and I just LOVE having my nails done pretty! :) I feel so much more put together.
Pre-mani. So healthy!
Miss anything? I am starting to feel kind of massive so I miss being smaller. =/ I am just ecstatic to have my own little human, but being pregnant in general, is not my favorite thing. It's starting to get difficult to put on my right foot sock. I never notice when I'm putting on my left sock for some reason...but when I get to the right it comes with a little trip forward and some grunting. It's not very cute.
Movement: Can you say KICK IN THE RIBS??? My baby can't, but it sure is a new favorite activity of hers/his! One day, our baby will be extra fussy and I'll say "cry it out kid...this is for those times you kicked me so hard it made me jump and grimace and then be sore all day." ...and then I'll probably whimper a little and say, "Just kidding...that's long enough." haha -BUT- there will be a moment of toughness and coldness on my part. A short one.
Food cravings: Yams with cinnamon, honey, and chopped nuts! WATER WATER WATER. I think I have some kind of needing water constantly condition. haha. I've seen it referenced in articles, but I'm pretty sure I drink my recommended daily amount by noon most days. Don't worry, I won't over hydrate! lol Some people...
Pretty sure I'll be taking prenatals forever. I would have started taking them YEARS ago if I had known how amazing they would be for my nails!
Pre-mani. So healthy!
Also, we got to see our little one on an ultrasound late last week!!! Oh my goodness was it awesome. We got to view the baby in 2D & 3D. He/She had a complete head to toe check up with size measurements, blood flow measurement to brain, heart, kidneys... finger and toe counting, eye placement, etc...It's amazing all we can learn now! We even got to see sweet baby's little lips and nose. <3 An all too cute pudgy baby face already. Clynn even thinks he saw some hair on W's tiny noggin' in the 3D viewing!
SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING with my bestie Nicole was SO much fun! Clynn and I are excited to share the gender with you all on Thanksgiving and I can't wait to post some pics of my favorite little outfits. <3
Movement: Can you say KICK IN THE RIBS??? My baby can't, but it sure is a new favorite activity of hers/his! One day, our baby will be extra fussy and I'll say "cry it out kid...this is for those times you kicked me so hard it made me jump and grimace and then be sore all day." ...and then I'll probably whimper a little and say, "Just kidding...that's long enough." haha -BUT- there will be a moment of toughness and coldness on my part. A short one.
Food cravings: Yams with cinnamon, honey, and chopped nuts! WATER WATER WATER. I think I have some kind of needing water constantly condition. haha. I've seen it referenced in articles, but I'm pretty sure I drink my recommended daily amount by noon most days. Don't worry, I won't over hydrate! lol Some people...
Have you started to show yet? ABSOLUTELY.
Gender: ANNOUNCING THANKSGIVING DAY!!!
Labor Signs: No new ones, I don't think. Some moments my uterus/belly definitely feels tighter than others. Could be a number of things though...
Belly Button in or out? Uuuhh...a little bit out, a little bit flat, and a little bit in. My belly button is super WEIRD because of my hernia...I think it'll be sticking out in a couple weeks though. That'll be fun to dress. hahaha
Belly Button in or out? Uuuhh...a little bit out, a little bit flat, and a little bit in. My belly button is super WEIRD because of my hernia...I think it'll be sticking out in a couple weeks though. That'll be fun to dress. hahaha
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Looking forward to: Thanksgiving! I have been thinking about Thanksgiving dinner foods sense August I think...I just love Thanksgiving. AMAZING food, AWESOME company, hard busy work with a great pay off, food coma naps, prepping for the best shopping deals...Just all relaxing and homey and sweet. We are SO excited to share it with a nine month old next year, but will enjoy our last Thanksgiving as just us, I'm sure. :)
STAY POSTED FOR OUR GENDER ANNOUNCEMENT!
(There will be CUTEE pictures!)
Announcement to be posted on the blog as soon as all of our close family
has been told in person or phone calls have been made! (Probably around 5:00pm PTZ)
Thanks for stopping in & we wish you'll
~ ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY ~
Love,
Jaclynn, Clynn, Benny, Max, & Baby
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