Madelyn arrived and is 3.5 months

Sorry I have not written in this blog in a VERY long time. On December 11th we had our baby girl Madelyn. She is just amazing and I love her so much. Childbirth is nothing like you can even imagine. I am sure it is different for everyone, but I thought it was hell. Truth be told it has been 3.5 months and I still don't feel recovered physically from that trauma! She is so worth it though. It is amazing how much she has grown since she was first born. She is so happy lately and smiling so much.

For those of you that don't have kids yet, and think it will change everything. It sure does! But it is so much fun and a love you will never know until you just do it. I even feel closer to my husband now because of this beautiful baby we made.

I am back at work and surprisingly I actually like being a working mom. I thought I would constantly be daydreaming that we could afford for me to stay home and be with our daughter. It is not reality for us though, and I have accepted that and actually like having a routine where we get up VERY early (5:30am) and start our day to leave the house, and I was NEVER a morning person, until now.

Here are a few pictures of Madelyn since I have not posted any yet:

23 weeks

I have been feeling pretty good lately. My dad bought our crib a few weeks ago and I had my husband put it together this weekend. I couldn't wait to see it up and in the room. So tonight after work, I took out some of the stuff I have been collecting over the last few weeks, and put he room somewhat together. It is so cute. I am having alot of fun getting ready for the baby. I do wish we knew her name though! We can not decide. I have a list of names I like but my husband doesn't seem to LOVE any of them. I like Olivia, Skyler, Colleen, Hailey, and about 10 others I gave him on a list to narrow it down. So for now she is just baby girl Wheeler.

Half way there! It's a girl!

I am 20 weeks and 1 day today. We had our "big" ultrasound last week and found out it is a girl! I am so happy for a baby girl. She moves around everyday now and I can feel her once in a while on the outside too, which is so cool.

Here are some pics of me at 20 weeks and of our ultrasound:

*How far along?: 20 Weeks! I am half way through my pregnancy!

*Total weight gain: About 5lbs so far.

*How big is baby?: about 3/4 of a lb

*Maternity clothes?: Oh yeah I can not fit in regular pants at all now, but my shirts are still some just large regular womens.

*Sleep?: I sleep ok. I get up every 2 hours to go to the bathroom and lately I am getting some insomnia.

*Food cravings?: Avocados, vegetable rolls, and blue berries.

*Belly button in or out?: Still in.

*What I miss: Not to much. I don't really care about drinking but I do miss feeling like I can do any sort of activity sometimes.

*What I'm looking forward to: Seeing our baby girl for the first time.

*Milestone: Half way through my pregnancy!

16 weeks 5 days

I am feeling pretty good these days. I took a few pictures of myself today. Considering I am a photographer I really should do a better job, but for now, they are just hand held in the mirror. We leave in a week to go to Maine for a week, when we get back we have our BIG ultrasound. We are finding out the sex, and I can not wait!!

feeling bigger

Just this week I am starting to feel like I look pregnant and feeling like my skin is stretching. Last night I took a quick snap shot of my bare belly and was surprised to see I don't just look fat, lol.

I was 15weeks 4 days when this picture was taken. I am standing in what is going to be the future nursery. We are going to try and move out the desk this weekend and put the new glider/rocker we bought in there. After we find out what we are having we are going to get the crib with my dad. Can't wait! We find out the sex of the baby on July 27th, about 3 weeks from now!!

13 weeks

I am 13 weeks today! Yay, on to the 2nd trimester! I am hoping a start to feel better. I had energy the last 2 days, but it was the weekend so we'll see when the grind of the week starts again. On Weds I had my NT Scan. My mother came with me and the baby was so cute. It was very active, moving its body and arms around. My mom was very smiley and happy to see her grandchild. I just noticed my belly more this week. My husband said I look pregnant now. I think its a real reality check for him, lol. Here are pics from the scan and my 13week belly.

In my 12th week

I am in my 12th week now and I have read and am often told that I will start to feel better soon. I really hope they are right! I have zero energy and am constantly nausious (sp?). I seriously never make plans after work and most weekends I work myphotography job, so I literally just work, sleep and feel like crap. I don't know if family and friends understand why they never see me. I just can't do it. I can't entertain, clean the house, or do anymore driving then I already do. I miss feeling like myself, so hopefully I will return soon!

I do have my NT Scan (ultrasound) on Weds and my mom is supposed to come with me. I am looking forward to seeing my beautiful baby again. I am really excited that this time it will actually look like a baby! So amazing!