I’m sitting down on a Friday night writing this first entry and I’m currently 18 weeks pregnant. Suddenly, the first trimester feels like ages ago. I meant to start writing earlier, but with everything that’s happened since January, well, here we are. I seriously can’t believe how quickly it’s flying by! I’m sure I won’t be saying this when I’m in the final weeks though…hah.
January 11th was the day I found out that we’re expecting our first baby. I think it took me about 4 different pregnancy tests (from different brands) before I actually believed it. When I found out, I started a pregnancy journal so I could keep track of pregnancy experiences and cravings. I can’t say I’ve been super diligent about updating the journal, but I did try my best with everything going on! My due date is Sept. 22, 2014 and it feels so close already.
Jan 11th: I took a first response pregnancy test the day before I was supposed to get my period and it was positive! On the test, the second line was quite faint and I wasn’t sure it was a true positive result. After some reading online, the consensus was “a line is a line!” so I immediately spent the entire morning (I was wide awake at 5am) trying to plan how I was going to surprise Eric.
Note: You can read how I surprised Eric in this post.
Did I have any signs that I was pregnant? Yes, a few hints. A few days after ovulating (I can’t remember how many days after it was) I remember getting some brief cramping in the pelvic area which seemed much too early to be PMS cramps. I later read this could be called implantation cramping. A couple days before I took the pregnancy test, I also felt nauseous in the morning. In the back of my mind I knew something was different in my body. It’s not like me at all to feel nauseous or not to be able to eat all my food (hahah), so I knew something was up. I was also really, really tired and going to bed early all week. I figured it was just PMS because the symptoms were similar, but in the back of my mind I did wonder if this was something different.
Jan 13th: Still feeling nauseous. I fought back tears through parts of The Bachelor tonight (which is hilarious because it’s the worst season ever), so I thought that was pretty damn funny! Recently, Eric and I booked a trip to visit my mom and stepdad in February. I will only be 7/8 weeks pregnant on the trip, but I really want to tell them the news while we are there. Plus, if I didn’t my mom might figure it out anyway! In other news, I can’t get enough of pineapple!!! Eating it nonstop for days.
Jan. 14th: Up at 5:30am once again. I can’t sleep lately. Hot cocoa and chocolate muffins are very appealing this morning for some reason, but I’m way too lazy to do anything about it. Still taking all of my vitamins (more on this in a future post). I ordered custom onesies from Etsy for the grandparents-to-be last night! The onesies say “I love grandma and grandpa: coming September 22, 2014”. A side effect from pregnancy I never expected – my skin is finally clear and blemish-free (spoiler alert: this did NOT last).
Jan. 17th: I am soooo angry and irritable today. It’s like the worst PMS ever. I don’t even want to be around myself. Serenity now!
Jan 18th: So it all ended up working out ok (yesterday’s problems) and I’m happy for that. I’m still waking up at all hours of the night and I have a very hard time staying asleep consistently. I hear this is called first trimester insomnia? I will blame the hormones once again!
Jan 22: Nausea comes on stronger at night time, especially after eating dinner. I have no appetite and zero desire to make recipes. Eric is missing all his usual treats. I’m also so tired this week! All I want to do is stay on the couch! This has been very challenging as I’m someone who likes to be on my feet as much as possible. I’m going a bit stir crazy up in here.
Jan 23: I met the girls for lunch today and it was really hard not telling them I’m pregnant. It still feels a bit early. I’ll wait until end of February though. My prenatal blood tests came back normal! yay! That includes my iron which was the highest it’s been in years. Good news all around.
Jan 28 (6 weeks):Still feeling like poo on a stick (whatever that is) and trying my best to function with everything going on with the upcoming book launch and house renovations (we just bought a house this month). It takes all of my energy to do my plank workout each morning. That counts as a solid workout right? hah. Cardio will have to wait until I’m feeling better because I couldn’t even imagine trying to work out right now. Nope, you couldn’t pay me to workout while feeling like this. Today, I bought a bag of salt and vinegar chips and I demolished the entire bag. It’s been so long since I ate a bag of chips and it was so necessary. Salt, salt, salt…that’s all I’m craving these days…oh and PINEAPPLE! pineapple for DAYS!
A peek of the house renos:
Jan 30: Cravings of late: Salt and vinegar chips, pico de gallo (I think I demolished 3 containers in 3 days), pineapple, and this incredible kale salad at the WF salad bar. I have an appetite mid-afternoon so I have to eat a lot then because I don’t have much of an appetite in the morning or evening when nausea peaks. Going to bed by 9pm seems to be a theme this week…I can’t even stay up for my favourite shows!
Feb 2 (7 weeks): Found out my dad had to have an emergency surgery procedure after a routine medical procedure went horribly wrong. I’m so worried about him…his recovery is going to be challenging. We’ll have to wait to surprise him with the news since he’s on some strong medications right now.
Feb 8: We’re visiting my mom and stepdad this week and I’m full of nerves about surprising them. The day we arrived we gave my mom a gift with the onesie that read “I love grandma and grandpa – coming Sept. 22, 2014” My mom’s reaction was priceless! It took her a couple moments to let it all sink in and then we both burst into happy tears! My sister Kristi also Skyped us while on the trip so we told them the news too. I love my nephew’s comment, “I vote for a girl. Will this make me a big brother??” hah! The trip was nice and the weather was beautiful, the only problem was that I was very sick most of the trip (morning sickness and I got a cold near the end) and Eric was sick as well. Oh well, we will get ‘em next time! I’m just happy we got to surprise them in person.
Feb 15th: Back from trip and I came down with a horrible flu…I feel miserable! I can’t remember the last time I was this sick. I’m also feeling depressed, hormonal, anxious, and emotional all of a sudden. I’m having all these doubts that I can do this and pregnancy books are freaking me.the.hell.out. so I’m just avoiding them for now. I sure hope this passes soon. I’ll mention it to my OB at the next visit. [Update: The anxiety and depression lasted for a few weeks – I guess it’s pretty common in the first trimester, and I’m relieved to hear this. I’m so grateful that it eventually passed!]
Feb 26 (10 weeks): Sketchie had exploratory surgery last week for his bowel issues and today we found out he has lymphoma. I’m absolutely heart broken and uncertain of what the future holds for him. I don’t want to lose him. This has been a very, very sad week with lots of tears.
March 3 (11 weeks): My book launches this week. So much excitement and nerves going on. I almost threw up before my morning TV spots on Canada AM and Steven and Chris. That would not have been cool. It didn’t help that I had to get up at 4am I guess. They both went well though so it’s all good. :) I’m really glad I pushed myself to do it because it was a great experience and everyone was super friendly!
March 8: I ATE ALL THE DRIED CHERRIES! Dried sweetened cherries taste just like fruit rolls ups. Are you guys aware of this? Seriously. I’m obsessed. They are my sweet snack of choice right now.
March 10 (12 weeks): Ultrasound today! The baby wasn’t moving much at first (and of course I was worried) and then the tech finally realized that I had a super full bladder. I think I overdid it on the water front! After emptying my bladder baby had more room and the wiggling began! I still can’t believe this baby is inside me…it’s so surreal.
March 11-12: got a really horrible migraine and was throwing up. I can barely function right now, but I’m trying my best to keep up with the cookbook media, Sketchie’s recovery, and the move. I’m still not feeling like myself at all.
March 13: I’ve been all about romaine lettuce and popsicles this week. I guess it’s safe to say that I definitely haven’t had an aversion to greens because I’m eating salad everyday. Also, apples and chickpeas are high on the craving list! Many times though, nothing sounds appetizing. I open the fridge, look around, and I can’t think of one thing I want to eat. It’s so weird. I also have a very strong aversion to meat…if I see a hamburger on TV I almost gag.
March 14: had a very vivid dream that I had a baby boy and he had this adorable big smile and was laughing in my arms. Is this a sign of the gender?? We’ll have to wait until week 19 to find out! Eric thinks it’s a girl. I initially did too, but after having that dream I’m now thinking boy…
March 16: We told my BIL and SIL, Steve and Joanne, the big news today! We were giving them a tour of the new house and when we got to the future nursery Eric said, “And this will be the baby’s room…” Joanne was like, “Sketchie’s room??” and I said, “no, a BABY!” And they were confused for a second but eventually they clued in. It was funny.
March 17 (13 weeks): We told Eric’s parents the big news today! We mailed them a package that said do not open until St Patrick’s day [on Skype with us]. They had a few days of curiosity. So we booked the Skype call on St Paddy’s Day because it’s a special day for them. Margaret opened up the package (and my father-in-law was there beside her) and when they saw the onesie that said “world’s best grandparents: Coming soon Sept 22” Margaret started screaming oh my gosh…and got teary (so did I!). Ken was very excited too. It was a great moment!
March 24 (14 weeks): Today I blogged about my news. I felt so nervous hitting publish, but I also feel relieved that it’s not a secret anymore. :) Craving: GRAPEFRUIT – I’m eating 2 a day, sometimes 3 and peeing is a full time job.
Ok, so I went into the 2nd trimester a little bit, but there you have it in a nutshell. It was a crazy few months with a lot of ups and downs. I can’t even begin to tell you how much better I feel in the second trimester! I’m so much happier and I feel much more like myself. One thing is for sure, it’s all for a great cause. This little baby is already loved so much.
Thanks for indulging me in my random first trimester rambles. More soon… =)
Just like you, I wanted to eat ALL THE PINEAPPLE when I was pregnant! My sweet tooth did shift from fruit to chocolate at some point though… and then I was making double chocolate walnut cookies all the time.
I am 12 weeks right now, and your experience sounds very familiar! I am a bit nauseous, worse at night, and so tired I feel like I am not going to make it. Some days I get a full night of sleep, then take two four-hour naps. It is humbling, to say the least.
As for food…pineapple, pineapple, pineapple. Any fruit, really, but pineapple is my favorite, closely followed by citrus and Honeycrisp apples. I wish I could eat something green, but I am completely revolted by vegetables. I can’t even say the name of certain unmentionable veggies without gagging. I just hope that all my years of loving vegetables has created some sort of nutrient reserve for my baby and that my fruit obsession is making up the difference.
I kept up running until about two weeks ago, and I plan to get back to it once my energy returns, but for now I am just listening to my body. My body is saying “no runninng…more sleep”, so I am going to take the hint.
Thanks for sharing, Angela (and everyone else)!
when will your segment air on steven and chris?
Loved reading these :) My bladder was too full too when I went for my first ultrasound. I had to go and pee some out hahah!! I can’t wait fro you to find out what you’re haviiiiinnnnnggg!!!
Congratulations! I had hyperemesis with my first, and I really had no cravings at all because I couldn’t keep anything down. Not even liquids. Even smells like toast or jasmine rice cooking made me throw up. When I was expecting my twins, I still had pretty significant morning sickness, but it wasn’t *as* bad. I loved salt and vinegar chips, rice krispie treats, mashed potatoes, and cucumber salad. Some days, I’d look at them and run to throw up, but then I usually had a window of about an hour where I would feel okay for a bit and could eat without getting sick. Enjoying healthy foods and being able to eat somewhat normally again (meaning more than 1/4 cup of food at a time) was amazing. Also, I learned during my first pregnancy, that they really don’t need your bladder nearly as full as they say they do, so I would only drink a glass or two before going in. I was never once told that my bladder wasn’t full enough. :)
LOVED reading this Ange! You and Eric are going to be such amazing parents! Xoxo
Glad you have a baby page set up. I can’t wait to read more!! <3
Hi Ange,
I just read your baby section now. I know, I am a bit late to the party. But I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed reading this post. It’s a great idea to keep a journal, and it’s fun to read :) I hope you’ll keep posting some of the things you write in your journal :)
And congrats on having a girl to both of you.
Congratulations Angela!! I have been silently lurking on your blog for 5 years now (!!) and I have to admit I have been looking for a baby post for at least the last two. :) I cannot wait to follow you on your healthy, vegan (!) pregnancy journey. This is long overdue, but you are one of the number one influencers that inspired me to change my life. When I started reading your blog in 2009 I was finishing college and already enrolled in a PhD program, struggling with the binge/restrict cycle you spoke so honestly and strongly about. I read and re-read your posts to the point where I felt like I could recite them and was incredibly inspired to be brave and follow my heart like you had. Well, 5 years later, I not only withdrew from grad school while I “still could” but I got my Holistic Health Coach certification at Institute for Integrative Nutrition and have been binge/restrict free (seemingly effortlessly) for a year and a half. You planted the seed that I can change my path and inspired me to follow my dreams. Thank you. :) I could keep telling you how awesome and inspiring you are, but I don’t want to ramble (too late? ;) ), but I am telling you this now because if you could inspire me, a stranger 3000 miles away via the internet, I know you will be an incredible mom. Congratulations to you and Eric again. :)
Hi Laura, Thank you so much for your lovely note! I’m so happy to hear this :)
Loved reading this!!! I’m happy for you, if not a touch jealous. If I can ramble for a moment, I can’t WAIT to start sharing our news. I am almost 11 weeks, and we’re going to start sharing when I’m almost 13 — so two more weeks!! It’s starting to get hard to hide my pre-bump, though! My nausea has gotten worse this week, which is kind of disappointing since I thought it’d be decreasing soon.
And thanks for sharing your experiences — I’ll keep my bladder empty for my next scan next week.
I just saw this post now! What an awesome way to share your journey with everyone. Hope there will be a 2nd trimester update!
Oh my gosh! I *just* discovered these posts – for some reason they weren’t sent to my Feedly. I’m just over 11 weeks pregnant and can completely relate to everything you said…although I haven’t been able to anywhere NEAR greens and most vegetables!
Hi,
Im in my first trimester at the moment and really cannot fathom my previous diet if salads and raw veggies. I am frequently morning sick and vomiting upward of 5x a day. The doctors are telling me to eat junk food and meat, but i never really ate these two items before and have recently started but it really messed up my whole system. Do you have any suggestions for getting in nutrients while suffering from morning sickness in the first trimester? I really want to keep a healthy diet but don’t crave any of my old foods and hate salads at the moment. Helpp is wanted & needed :(
I loved your post! Thank you for sharing about your pregnancy. I’m in my first trimester and a lot you went through, I’m dealing with. It’s somewhat frustrating and all since I’m the kind of person too always on my feet and active. Since morning sickness arrived…I just want to lay and bed and sleep!!!! Staying positive and hoping this will past is sometimes hard with my hormones and being fatigue. It’s great to know other women are deling with what I’m going through:) All of my gfs that had kids didn’t get morning sickness at all. I wish you all the best and take care. Rest… Rest… Rest… Xoxo
Hi Angela,
what did you take for migraines during your pregnancy?
So I just found out I was expecting so was searching what to expect the first trimester and come across your blog….what is funny is I found out I was pregnant the same date and have the same due date…only one year later! After trying for 2 years and a few rounds of fertility treatments I am so excited to follow along with what you went through week by week (even day by day with this first trimester blog post!) as I go along! You were up at 5:30am this time last year…I was up at 3:00am wide awake! It will be fun to see what things are similar and whats different!
Hi! OMG I am laughing at myself because this post had me in tears by the end. I also got a few good chuckles about your food cravings! I love this. My hubby and I are trying to conceive and I’m pretty sure it’s happened but waiting on the missed period, and I’m so happy you have blogged about your pregnancy!! I have been following you for years and think you are absolutely amazing! Thank you for a good laugh – and cry :)
haha thank you Brittany! I wish you all the best with your hopeful pregnancy! xo
Hi, reading through your journal makes me so relieved as I sit here drinking my pregnancy tea, taking a sick day from work. I am 9 weeks pregnant and I feel like someone hit me with a truck. I am a runner and haven’t been able to run in months which is the worst feeling for me. Also I am obsessed with cooking and following food bloggers such as yourself but have no desire to make anything lately. I feel bad for my husband but he has been very understanding lately. Thank you for being real and making me feel like I am not the only one out there that feels like this.
Aww!! I cried while reading your post because it’s simular to my situation. I found out I was pregnant January 17 the day of my husband 30th birthday party. I surprised him by giving him a red box with three pregnancy test in it lol. This will be our first child also.
Thank you so much for posting this! I’m going through my first trimester now and it is so nice to someone to relate to while I try to keep it a secret.