Things I Want to Remember About My First Pregnancy: Part I

Tara's List:

• I always knew E was a girl
• When Chris told his parents we were pregnant (at Grandpa Pollock funeral) he said something like,"With death comes new life"
• The day we got a positive pregnancy test we bought "Pregnancy for Dummies"
• I called my doctor the day we found out to see if I could do a blood test to confirm and the receptionist said, "Did you take a home pregnancy test" Me, "yes" Her, "Was it positive?" Me, "yes" Her, "Then you're pregnant."
• It took a long time for me to "feel pregnant" and know it was real- even after hearing the heartbeat-  because I didn't have many symptoms
• After my very first doctor's apt. I had a little bit of spotting and freaked out. Come to find out this is normal in the beginning and especially after an exam.
• I never craved anything strange, I just wanted things I've always wanted in spurts. I've gone through phases of sub sandwiches, oatmeal, cereal, and fruit. 
• However, I have had cotton-mouth my entire pregnancy. I guzzle water like crazy.
• Oatmeal saved my life during the first trimester because my morning sickness was night sickness and oatmeal always put my stomach at ease before bed. Chris became a pro at making me oatmeal at midnight. Thanks, honey! 
• Before I felt her kick, I would feel E push. Rather than a kick or poke it was more of a rising in one specific area. Imagine her arching her back and pushing that into my stomach.
• Chris felt E kick for the first time at 23 weeks (so late because of the anterior placenta). I had to lay on my stomach for a minute for her to kick hard enough (sorry for squishing you, E!)
• My belly looks bigger when I look down on it then when I look in the mirror
• We're giving E my mom's name as her middle name. My mom and I cried when I told her
• I knew my belly button would eventually pop out, but I never knew it was going to become a huge pit before it did that! I can see parts of my belly button I've never seen before!
• I really "popped" between weeks 20 and 22
• I had my first stranger ask me when I was due at 23 weeks- I was tempted to say, "due for what?" and look half confused half offended. I didn't. 
• I started wearing maternity pants around 17 weeks- I think they are the greatest things ever. I love the full panel because my pants stay up and I don't have to worry about flashing anyone when I lean over. 
• Maternity tops on the other hand are so unnecessary. You can find clothes that are cute and long and stretchy enough in normal sizes if you look hard enough. No need to pay $40 for a t-shirt at Motherhood. Try Forever 21, they have a huge selection, plus lets be honest- some of their dresses are short enough to pass as t-shirts! :)
• *Note To Self* - Next time do this a lot earlier!! I bought new, better fitting undies at 23 weeks and holy cow it has made all the difference. 
• Having people ask me how I'm feeling was nice at first, but has become kind of old. I'm fine, baby is fine, everybody is fine. I have to remind myself that they are just being polite and 1. Don't realize that everyone is asking that and 2. What else are they going to say?
• Both times we got to see E she was sucking her thumb/chewing on her hand
• Round ligament pain can feel sharp or dull like cramps
• If I'm not careful when I sneeze I sometimes leak a little bit... TMI?
• Finding cute bedding is hard, but can be done. (Here is what we bought! Just the 4 pc. set)
• We have been financially blessed to much since finding out we're expecting. Little bonuses have been popping up like never before.
• I already love her so much. 
• I think she is going to be a momma's girl- which is just fine by me! (But Chris thinks she is going to be a Daddy's girl)

Chris's list:

• Don't call Tara "BIG"
• Don't laugh when she pees herself
• Buy cereal in bulk
• Get used to very little sex
• If you find milk in the kitchen cabinet, don't worry about it- Tara is just losing her mind.
• Get used to being alone after 7pm (first trimester) because Tara will be asleep already
• Get used to having all of the money go towards maternity clothes and baby stuff
• Get used to being asked your opinion on nursery stuff every day
• Don't be annoyed when you can't feel the baby
• Procrastinating putting up the crib doesn't stop the baby from coming any sooner!

Taken today! 24 weeks 3 days!