Week 19

Here is my belly this week. Looking in the mirror it does not seem that big, but looking at this picture I think I look huge. I also noticed that it looks like I do not have a belly button. I have been feeling really good lately beside my expanding waste line and expanding chest. I truly am scared if my boobs get any bigger. My Mom, Bridget and I went shopping this weekend and I actually got stuck in a dress that I could not fit over them. I am sure it was funny for my Mom and Bridget, but it wasn't for me.

Luke and I had a really nice holiday weekend. Saturday we went to the movies and then Mark and April came over to watch the UFC fight. Sunday I went shopping with my Mom and Bridget and today Luke and I went to a BBQ over at my friend Ana's house. Usually we swim at Ana's annual Memorial Day BBQ, but the pool was only 74 degrees and I still have yet to purchase a maternity swimming suit.

I am still waiting to feel the baby move. I mean, I have felt "things" but I am still not sure. I told Luke today either someone was kicking my ribs or I had gas. I am still not sure. In just a few weeks time I know she will be kicking away and I will know it is her for sure.

Names??? Since Luke and I found out we are having a girl, that seems to be the number one question. Well sorry to disappoint, but Luke and I have decided to keep the name to ourselves until she is born. We think (mostly me) that people give their opinion when its not even asked. So instead of someone sticking their foot in their mouth, everyone will just have to wait and until she graces us with her presence.

Nursery Theme - Cowgirl Chic

Luke and I decided on the Nursery Theme of Cowgirl Chic. We purchased the above crib bedding and once it arrives we will decide on paint colors.

We also decided to delete our Target registry. After getting some feedback it seems like the right decision.

Mid-Week - Week 18

Wow, what a day. I am so pooped, but I am determined to blog before I go to bed. Well, our day started off this morning with our "big ultrasound" appointment. Baby K is doing great. She is now weighing in at 9 ounces, which is right on track for 18 weeks. During the "big ultrasound" besides determining the gender, they checked her brain, heart, spine, kidneys, organs and limbs. They said everything looked perfect. According to the Dr., "She aced her first test."

After our appointment we made phone calls and I sent about 50 text messages. It was so nice to get every one's well wishes and congratulations back. We ate lunch at one of our favorite Greek restaurants and then we were off to Babies R Us.

First, let me just say I was so overwhelmed. I can only imagine how Luke felt. I know he knew I was in 'almost' panic mode, because I kept on telling him, "I'm totally freakin out." But like the wonderful husband he is, he kept telling me it was okay and kept us both on track. There are so many things you need and that you don't need but are so darn cute. Well after about 2 1/2 hours we were complete. When I came home I decided to make a few revisions and I am sure I will revise it even more as the weeks go on, but I am pretty happy with it, at least for today.

After Babies R Us we were both in need of a pick me up, so we headed to Jamba Juice before we ventured onto Target. Registering at Target was very quick and easy...and almost pointless. I really thought I wanted to register at two different places. However we did not register for much at Target. I might just delete that registry and go with the one. I need to sleep on it. Luke thinks that we should keep both registries open because some people do not like to go into a place like Babies R Us unless they are having a baby themselves. I reminded him that http://www.babiesrus.com/ is for those people.

Week 18 Ultrasound Pictures

Baby K's profile

One of her very long legs and giant foot

The other very long leg and giant foot

It's a...

GIRL!

Luke and I are so very happy. We just made it home after our all day adventure. I will post more (including pictures) later.

Week 18

Nothing new or exciting this past week. However on Wednesday, Luke and I go for the "big ultrasound" and we will finally find out if Baby K is boy or a girl. This is all I can really think about. It's even hard to concentrate at work because I am so excited. Because there are so many people who want to know, Luke and I plan on sending out a mass text message on Wednesday. So if we have your cell phone number, be on the look out. I will also post as soon as I get a chance.

Luke and I are going to take the day off on Wednesday and register after our appointment. Registering alone is very overwhelming. I have been doing so much research lately and I am kind of researched out. We made a list the other days of things we need to do before the baby comes. Registering was so far on the bottom, but we decided to do it now to get it out of the way. Plus my Chicago shower is only about 7 weeks away.

Oh I remember something...We got a crib mattress this past week. There was a particular one I wanted to buy and luckily they sold them at a baby boutique not too far from my work. We still have a few weeks until the furniture comes in, but at least we have the mattress now.

Mid-Week 17

A picture of the shirt that Luke bought me for Mother's Day.

Week 8 vs. Week 17

Wow, what a difference 9 short weeks make...

Week 17

Yesterday was my first "almost a mother" Mother's Day. It was wonderful, Luke made me breakfast and got me a card and also a maternity T-shirt that says, "I can grow people, What's your super power." It's too cute and I cannot wait to wear it. We also had my Mom and Rob over for dinner last night.

This past week has been a little crazy. My Uncle Jack was in a bad motorcycle accident on Friday. Luckily he will be okay, he does have broken bones though. Thank god he was wearing a helmet.

I have been trying to prepare for registering next week. 9 days to go until we find out Baby K's gender. There is so much stuff they "suggest" you register for. I have been trying to do my due diligence and figure out which brands and what exact items we are going to register for. I have spent a lot of time reading and on the Internet. So, we will see if it pays off once we get to Babies R Us.

Luke and I have planned a trip to Chicago in July. My Dad and Connie are throwing me a shower there. Luke and I are very excited to see everyone and spend some time with my Dad and Connie. I was a little iffy about the 3 1/2 hour plane ride, but my doctor said it was okay. I will only be 26 weeks, which will be towards the end of my 2nd trimester and hopefully I will not be too uncomfortable by then.

Luke is sick with some sort of stomach bug/food poisoning. I will spare you the details because they are not pretty. I hope it is something that he ate and is not contagious. I came home early from work today to take care of him. Which you can see I am doing a good job, because I am in the other room blogging.

Week 16

We scheduled our "big ultrasound" for Wednesday May 21st. Luke and I are very excited to find out if Baby Kautzman is a boy or a girl. My doctor's appointment last week was just a quick check up and we also got to hear the heartbeat, beating strong as usual. This week Baby Kautzman is 4 1/3 to 4 2/3 inches from crown-to-rump and weighs in at a hefty 2 3/4 ounces. Baby Kautzman is about the size of an avocado.

This past weekend was a nice relaxing weekend of eating and sleeping. I now look forward to taking a nap during the day on Saturdays and Sundays, if I could only work a nap in during work. Pregnancy brain is in full force with me. I feel like I have no short term memory at all. Just trying to remember what Luke and I did last week is driving me nuts.

My belly has been itching like crazy. I put lotion on at least twice a day and try my hardest not to itch. The itching is caused by the stretching in my skin. I am so concerned about stretch marks that I bought several different kinds of "tummy butters." The most recent one was a waste of $14.95. It has cocoa butter in it and actually is called Tummy Butter, but it smells like feet. Its so gross I cannot use it at all. Right now believe or not I am using a Banana Boat after sun lotion with aloe and vitamin E. It smells good and helps with the itching.