Christmas Morning...

17 Weeks

We are 17 weeks along! I'm just shocked at how fast the time is flying...

Christmas was wonderful---the time spent with our families was fantastic. We got so many great gifts for us and baby!! We are so blessed and so thankful...

The baby is VERY ACTIVE! In the past 3 or 4 days, he/she has been bouncing around and I'm feeling a little "thump" about every 5 minutes or so...it's amazing...& a constant reminder of the little person growing inside me!

I'm still pretty tired most of the time (after about 6pm) but I'm still able to stay awake longer and get more things done around the house.

I will post a couple pictures from Christmas this week and you may be able to tell I've gained a little weight...hopefully not too much, though! :)

Happy New Year!!

16 Week Appt

Today was our 16 week appointment at the Dr and it went very well. The heart beat is still very strong (at 140) and everything is looking great. I've gained 2 pounds since the 10 week appointment.

We go back for the 20 week appointment on January 19 (MLK day) and we find out the sex! That's also the day they will record the baby on DVD for us to take home! We are SOOO excited!! It looks like more people think I'm having a girl than a boy, according to the poll. We will know soon!

Eric and I leave tomorrow (Tuesday) and head to GA for Christmas...then we head up to Ohio on Friday for our Christmas up there. We are so looking forward to seeing everyone!! :)

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!! Merry Christmas!

Christmas is almost here!

*Eric painting the baby room*

15 Weeks and counting...

Today marks 15 weeks...which means next Tuesday we will be a full 4 months (16 weeks) along! Every week is flying by us--it's hard to believe that next week is already Christmas, too!

As for what's happened over the past week...Last Saturday was a very busy and wonderful day. Eric and I started the day early with breakfast at Noshville and went to the mall for a few hours for some Christmas shopping. We then traveled over to Home Depot and bought paint for the baby's room! We shopped a little more around Nashville, went home, and painted the room! Well, Eric painted the room :) while I painted the second coat on the wooden armoire. Everything looks great! The color we picked out is technically called "Navajo White", and the small square on this post is the color. It's a light tan, light caramel, sort of golden color (it looks a little more yellow in person, actually, the square really doesn't look that much like the color at all). I also took a picture of Eric painting the room that I will post tomorrow because I forgot to being my camera today. We both love the color!

And as for me, I've been feeling great--the hip, back, and stomach still ache every day, but it's becoming more normal because the pain simply never goes away...it really only bothers me now when the pain worsens. My energy is back--I'm constantly ready to do things around the house, get out and about, and start baby projects. I still require more sleep and want to go to bed around 10 most nights, but overall I feel fantastic.

Eric has been wonderful...always taking care of me and making sure I'm feeling ok. I couldn't ask for someone better to share this with.

Again, I'll post the picture of Eric painting tomorrow and I'll update again soon!

In our world lately...

It's Christmas time! This past weekend, Eric and I went to the Christmas Tree Farm down the street from our house and picked out our tree. It was so interesting and so much fun--we walked around for a good half an hour trying to pick out the perfect tree...and we did! The system they used was amazing--Eric really loved it; One guy was there to help you find your tree, another guy was called the "helper" and was there to cut down your tree and bring it to the front, another guy shaped the tree and attached the tree stand, and another "helper" attached it to your car. The final helper mentioned is pictured below with Eric--they were all so helpful and it was definitely something we will be doing again next year!

This weekend I not only got into the Christmas spirit, but the "baby spirit" as well. On our last trip to Carrollton we brought back a piece of furniture that's going to be great in the baby's room! I used it in my room at my parent's house growing up and I'm sure we'll end up using it forever. It's such a classic piece. I went to Home Depot, grabbed some paint (don't worry, it's fume free and safe for pregnant moms!), went home and started the very first baby project for the room! The picture below is going to shock a few of you as you haven't seen me lately and my tummy has really been growing! Can you believe it? Not only have I already grown a significant amount in the past month, but the baby is supposed to grow faster in the 4th month than it ever has or ever will--it's supposed to grow to at least half (if not a little more) of the length it will be on it's birthday...

We went to our second Dr's appointment today! Everything went very well! We were able to hear the baby's heartbeat and it was definitely an amazing sound. As of today, my actual weight hasn't changed since a month ago...but I believe my weight has just been shifting around--my stomach is definitely a lot bigger than it was a month ago, or ever has been for that matter! And I will say this, for everyone who's never been pregnant--don't listen to what everyone says about "eating for two" or "eat whatever you want, you're pregnant!" -- I eat better now than I ever have! You learn more and more about keeping the baby healthy (with healthy foods and vitamins) and not gaining unwanted weight due to those scary extra pounds and stretchmarks; so now more than ever it's more important to exercise and eat healthy---It's quite the contrary to what I've always thought being pregnant would be like!! :)

*Below is just a picture to document the date as we were eating at Las Palmas after the appointment

13 Full Weeks!

Today marks the official end of the 13th week! We have begun our journey into the 14th week and we simply can't believe how fast this is going by. Thanksgiving was amazing...it was SO wonderful to see everyone and enjoy the great company of family and friends.

We go back to the Dr. a week from today, Dec. 9. This time we'll hopefully get to hear the heartbeat--they couldn't find it last time, which he said was normal in a first appointment, so we are really looking forward to this one, too!

We've added a poll to the right side of our page--Do you think it's a boy or a girl?? Vote and let us know what you think!! We are on track to find out the sex in January, so this leaves a month for you to give us insight. We appreciate it!

As far as how I'm feeling...GREAT! This is the last time I'm going to say this, because I know I write it in every post, but the nausea has 99% disappeared! It's such a wonderful feeling...to not feel sick. The only downfall these days has been my right hip and lower right back--it's constantly aching, pinching, and cramping. My energy is coming back at a rapid pace--I continue to find myself checking out the clock at night, and it's 9 or 10 o'clock--I've also been making a list of new projects I'll be doing over the next few months, and can't wait to start them...ie, organizing the closets in the house, painting the baby room, rearranging the furniture so the combination of my stuff and Eric's stuff really makes for a cozy house, etc. I already started yesterday by sorting out the fridge and deep cleaning all the shelves inside--I know, I'm way ahead of schedule--but it's all so exciting!

We hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Don't forget to Vote! :)

*12 Weeks*

We are 12 weeks pregnant! I can't believe it...time is really flying by. I hope it continues to do so, although I hear it really slows down towards the end of pregnancy. We honestly continue to get more and more excited as each day comes...the reality of the entire situation continues to surprise us. The baby items we're receiving, my tummy getting harder and pudgier, the thoughts of decorating the baby room...these are all things that thrill us each day.

We are also so excited for Thanksgiving...to see family and friends...and eat delicious food! This year I don't have to worry about how much I eat, and no one can judge me for eating so much! :) I have an excuse, at least that's what I'm going to tell myself.

We hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

**Note: We've added a Pregnancy Calendar at the bottom of our page if you'd like to know more about what's going on each week! Enjoy!

The Most Wonderful Surprise...

I had the most wonderful weekend...Two of my best friends from college schemed with Eric and came to Nashville to surprise me! Eric asked me if I wanted to go to an early movie on Friday (We went and saw Twilight) at 4:50pm...after the movie we were going to get something to eat but Eric asked if we could stop by the house for a quick second beforehand, and I didn't ask too many questions. The blinds were closed and we walked into my kitchen...there stood Lindsey & Tricia!! WOO!! I instantly starting crying -- I couldn't believe they were here!! They brought all sorts of fun baby things in huge gift bags and baskets...there were neat candies, ie: Sugar Babies, Cry Babies, Baby Ruths, Jelly Belly's, Sour Patch Kids, etc. So creative! The movie "Baby Mama" for obvious reasons and the movie "Sex & the City" because we're all such best friends...There were several incredible baby books, comfy slippers, and sparkling Grape Juice! And since I've been craving fruit, Tricia made a delicious Fruit Tart with a Sugar Cookie crust! YUM! It was the best surprise ever and I will always cherish this weekend...Tricia & Lindsey, THANK YOU SO MUCH--You'll never know how much it meant to me that you were here! This baby is going to have the best aunts ever!

I also want to thank all of our other friends who have sent us such thoughtful cards, gifts, and packages...your thoughts and kind hearts have made this such a wonderful experience!!

Sorry, Amazon.

Only up and running for a couple of weeks and the babyflip website has already ruffled some feathers. Final hit count results are still pending but it looks like the most popular website lists have a new player in town...with the top four shaking out like this...1) google 2) ebay 3) babyflip 4) amazon. Sorry, Amazon. Katie, we're all over ebay by that third trimester. Let's keep up the momentum in trimester two.

For those that don't know me...I'm from Cleveland, OH and people who have spent time with me would say I have the looks of Brad Pitt, raw athletic ability of Mike Tyson, and brains of Bill Gates. Problem with that is even more would say I have the looks and raw athletic ability of Bill Gates and the brains of Mike Tyson. I guess we'll find out which one is true when there's a little person who has these same genes making an appearance in about six months. Fortunately for the little one, Katie's the other half of this gene pool (the deeper half) so the bambino is going to be just fine.

Since a lot of Katie's friends and family who seem to be checking in on this are from the Carrollton/Atlanta area...I've been to Carrollton a handful of times now. And after these visits you'll probably be pleased to know that my list of top "squares" in the world has shifted. Before Carrollton...1) Times Square (NYC) 2) Red Square (Moscow) 3) Trafalgar Square (London). After Carrollton visits...1) Times Square (NYC) 2) Carrollton Square 3) Red Square (Moscow). Sorry to any of our English blog checkers.

Although I've actually gained about 10 pounds since we found out...Katie's the one who's actually pregnant and has been going through all the changes. If you've read any of her earlier posts, you'll see that those effects are calming down and she's feeling more like her normal self. So that's good news. I've discovered that a few basic rules work for Katie much like they do for Gizmo in the movie Gremlins. Gizmo had a few basic rules that couldn't be broken...1) no bright lights 2) no water 3) no food after midnight. Much like Gizmo and the entire Mogwai race, Katie's found that she has a few basic rules to follow to keep her feeling good...1) keep eating saltines 2) in bed by 8PM 3) let Eric sit on the couch and watch football. Actually, she doesn't realize that last one will help with the nausea. I'm hoping that realization occurs during the second trimester.

But for real, our first visit to the ob-gyn went as well as it could have gone and everything seems to be headed in the right direction. Thanks to anyone who's checked this site and has taken an interest in this exciting time in our lives.

Carson, good luck with the napkins. Only one week left to get that in order.

--Eric

11 Weeks...Yay!!

We are 11 weeks along! Only one more week until we're into the second trimester...Gosh, that's hard to believe--over the next couple months, time is really going to fly...We've got Thanksgiving, another Dr's appointment, Christmas, New Years, and another Dr's appointment all back to back. Exciting!

We know it's a little early, but we went to Babies "R" Us last Saturday and registered! We are so excited to prepare for the baby and had SO much fun picking things out. After a lot of research and help from other Mom's, we feel like we picked out the safest, best quality, most reasonable items possible! Only the best for Baby Flip!

*Fun Fact: We are calling the baby "Baby Flip" because Eric's nickname is Flip - with his last name being Filipovitz (a tongue twister!) it sounds a little like Flip in the beginning and all of his friends have grown up calling him Flip :)

As for the pregnancy, I've been feeling SO much better! I know I keep saying it, but as each day passes, the nausea fades...I'm maybe queasy once a day now, and sometimes none! woo hoo! As for the exhaustion, I definitely require more sleep these days, but I'm able to stay awake until 9:00 or so...my energy is slowly coming back to me...and it's such a relief!

Cravings: FRUIT FRUIT & MORE FRUIT. I can't stop eating it. I crave strawberries and blackberries...and raspberries and cantaloupe...every fruit...all the time...

...At Babies "R" Us...

We became pretty handy with the 'registering gun' !!

Less Nausea = Happy Katie

This week has been SO exciting! Between telling friends and family about the baby and the Dr's visit, I've barely had time to get sick! It's been amazing...honestly, the nausea has definitely started to go away. I still get a little queasy in the evenings, but it's nothing compared to what I've been going through. I must say that I'm sure I'm much better to be around when I'm not sick! Although I will also say that Eric says I haven't been too bad with the complaining-- Thanks, Eric! He needs an award for putting up with my over emotional hormones for the past couple weeks! :)

On another note, I'm still so exhausted...I'm going to sleep between 8-9pm and I wake up around 7am for work...everyone is saying it will get better and I'll get my energy back - I'm really looking forward to those days.

I can't stop looking at the ultrasound pictures...they are so precious...and amazing...

Eric and I really want to thank everyone for being so supportive and sharing the excitement with us! We are so thrilled and are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family! xoxo

Dr's Visit

This is outside of Dr. Wingo's office after our first visit on 11/11/08
Right after we saw the first pictures of the baby!!

Goofy Eric holding our "baby" for the first time!

First Tri-mester Appointment

Eric and I went to our first Dr's appointment this morning. As you can see, everything is going very well! The baby's heart beat is normal and he/she is growing at a normal pace. Look at the tiny arms and legs...you can even see the ears! Eric and I were so touched when the picture popped up on the screen...it was a very special moment...so many things became very, very real to us! And we are soooo thrilled!

Our "official" due date is JUNE 9, 2009. This means I'm 10 weeks along to the day. So every Tuesday, we'll be adding another week to the calendar!

Over the past few days I've started to get a little bit of my energy back...and by that I mean I've been going to sleep around 9 instead of 7:3o, ha! But I have been able to do more things around the house and run errands without being so nauseas...this is also because of the saltine cracker kick I'm on...they are always in my purse!

Less Than A Week!

This is my first blog ever... Eric and I decided it was a great idea (after much persuasion from my girlfriends) that we do this so our friends and family can keep track of what's going on in our lives on a regular basis. I'll post pictures of us and hopefully of Baby Flip as well! We are so excited!

...Less than a week until my first Dr's appointment. I'm using a well-known OBGYN in Nashville, whose name is Dr. Wingo. I know, funny name; but apparently he's the best! Let's hope so! Eric and I are going to the Dr on Tuesday November 11...which is quite coincidental considering our monthly anniversary falls on the 11th. We just recently had our one year anniversary and are looking forward to many more.

Although I've been going through SO many emotional and physical changes, I'm actually starting to feel a little better...I've had more energy the past couple days than I've had in the past few weeks. The nausea still comes along in the evening, but it's not as severe as before. And I'm still not sleeping through the night! Goodness! Will I ever sleep through the night again??? My right hip began to hurt yesterday evening for the first time...I'm not sure what arthritis feels like, but I imagine it feels a lot like the pain I was having in my hip! Throbbing!

My belly already has a little bump!