Instincts??

Here it is, my 16 week photo (will probably wait until 18 weeks to post another)!

So I have decided not to do the laundry list this week because I feel like that can get a little boring.  I am now 17 weeks and am starting to get really nervous about everything! I know I should not be anxious (Matthew 6:34) but am starting to freak about not knowing what to expect, how to be a mommy, etc.  I am feeling unprepared, like I should read every book in the library to figure out what to do with a baby.  Zach, on the other hand is so laid back and carefree, he keeps reassuring me that "my mothering instincts will kick in when the baby gets here".  Thanks, but WHAT mothering instinct, do I even have them?

Do not get me wrong, I have wanted to be a "mommy" since Kindergarten.  There is even video evidence of the teacher asking everyone what they wanted to be when they grow up, everyone said doctor, pilot, vet, lawyer, etc. My answer...a mommy. And, there is nothing more that I want to be, I am just feeling overwhelmed by all the diaper genie, layettes, formulas... It is never ending!

Please someone (besides my husband) tell me that it will come to me when the baby gets here? Am I the only one that is scared of not knowing what to do??!!


On a less freaked out note, I wanted to reveal the Gender of the baby to my family in a fun way. Since our families are split up a little, I was trying to think of a fun way to do it so that they all dont have to find out at one time. Thought of delivering cupcakes with the color (blue or pink) on the inside so each family can find out together. However, I want some other ideas. Anyone done this and have a great idea for a surprise reveal to the family??

16 Week Check-up and A Test

Today was the day for our 4 week check up! I get so nervous and excited for these days, all I want is for everything to be alright with the baby. When I hear that hearbeat though, all is right in the world!

So now for the random title.  This is sort of a touchy subject.  Today we were asked whether or not we wanted to take a blood test to get an idea of whether or not our baby could have Downs, Trisomy 18, or Spina Bifida.  We made a personal decision to decline the test because we feel, no matter what, we are going to love our baby no matter the outcome.  Also, there are A LOT of false positives.  However, I see the other side of the story. A time to prepare yourself, your husband, your family for the unexpected. Zach and I see this as a "God" thing...we are leaving it in His hands, our worries, fears, and anxieties.  Whatever will be, will be. 

I guess what I want to know is, if you have had kids or not, did you take the blood test? I am not "for" one way or the other, just wanted some opinions, I guess.  Anyway here is my 16 week "check-up":

How Far Along? 16 Weeks!!
Total Weight Gained? Scale at the Dr. office said 5lbs.  Apparently, I am supposed to gain a pound a week for the next 8 or so weeks (every womans nightmare!!!)
Maternity Clothes- Still relying on the Belly Band to wear my pants, which all still fit pretty well besides the buttoning part.  Hoping to not have to buy too much and rely on jersey/knit dresses for summer!
Sleep- Sleep is still difficult.  I found a large body pillow to use and put in between my legs that helps.  Having to get up to pee at least once doesn't help also (sorry TMI).  And do not be surprised if you see Zach with a black eye one day.  Apparently I am violent when I actually do get to sleep.
Movement- Yes!! I have felt the little one.  Feels like popcorn popping.  She gets real fiesty when I am hungry :)
Food Craving- Fruit, still.  I am going to put Publix out of business with their pre-chopped fruit.  Salads.  And if there was a Zoe's anywhere near Dothan, I would put them out of business as well.
Food Aversions- Again, nothing I can think of.
Morning Sickness- No morning sickness here!
Gender- Scheduled our appointment today for April 27th!! I cannot wait! Still betting on a little girl!
Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.

Belly Button- Still starting to poke out...
What I Miss- Ab muscles. I feel like I have never done a sit-up in my life. Wanting to get into a bathing suit.
What I Am Looking Forward To- Finding out the babies sex! I want to start decorating the Nursery and buying gender specific clothes. Still, looking more pregnant then just "plump".

Weekly Wisdom- Do not travel with a pregnant lady if you have somewhere to be and fast or be prepared for numerous pit stops :)
Milestones- Baby is the length of an avocado or about 4.5 inches from head to rump.  The babies heartbeat was STRONG at 157 bpm. The baby has fingernails now and can hear when we talk to her :)

I SWEAR i am going to post a picture sometime this week :)

Woah Baby!!

So I have finally decided to start the blog back so that family and friends could "be in the know" about the baby progress! For those of you that do not know, Zach and I moved back to Dothan from Birmingham around August of 2010. So far, we are LOVING it, being back close to friends/family and the BEACH and lake! Zach manages Westside Auto Service Center (if you need a car fixed call him!) and works his tail off, of course. I am working at Covenant United Methodist Church in the Children's Ministry and feel truly blessed! Anywho, this is a BIG year for our Saliba family. David and Elizabeth Crockett will be married in June and Laura will be marrying Russell Ellis in August (so excited to have new family members)! On the other family side, I have another cousin getting married in May! Zach and I also surprised everyone (and ourselves!) and announced that we will be having a baby in September!! I am 15 weeks today and will update the blog weekly with updates. I stole this from other websites that other pregnant ladies use:
How Far Along? 15 weeks exactly :)

Total Weight Gained? As of today it looks like 5 lbs, we will see what the Dr. says next week. According to my Tailor though, "I got fat!"

Maternity Clothes- I am just now starting to wear my Belly Band (for those of you that do not know, it is a band that allows you to wear pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned). I have bought a few pants, but am hoping to keep buying clothes to a minimum and making my looser dresses work throughout summer.

Sleep- For some reason, sleep has been difficult lately. I am a stomach or back sleeper and they tell you that needs to stop in Second Trimester. I have a big pillow to sleep with but it does not help. I toss and turn all night, poor Zach!

Movement- Not yet :( Sometimes I think it might be movement, but then I think it is probably gas.

Food Craving- FRUIT!! I love sweet fruit right now! Also, wheatables crackers, I HAVE to have. Of course, I keep a jar of pickles in the fridge too :)

Food Aversions- So far so good. Nothing has grossed me out yet!

Morning Sickness- I was truly blessed to only have a little nausea every now and then, nothing major.

Gender- Three weeks until we find out, but I have had two dreams of a girl and I am CONVINCED it is a girl :)

Labor Signs- none, thank goodness.

Belly Button- Is slowly looking like it wants to pop out a little, not sure how I feel about this.

What I Miss- LONG RUNS!! working out to my maximum and having the energy to do it. Fitting into my old clothes comfortably. Tanning without getting fried after putting on loads of sunscreen.

What I Am Looking Forward To- My belly starting to poke out so that I look pregnant and not just like I have eaten about 2 dozen doughnuts!

Weekly Wisdom- When this is the first grandchild your parents have, they will care more about your belly and how your taking care of it and less about how you actually are...haha I love it :)

Milestones- Baby is moving like crazy and sucking her thumb (how stinking cute!) and is about the size of a large apple! I will post pictures of the bump soon, it is not very big anyways. Not much to look at right now!!