Christmas 2012

N and I delivered the news to N's family on Christmas. We had agonized over whether to tell them now, or wait until the first ultrasound in three weeks. In the end, we decided we'd tell but ask the family not to spill the beans until February 1st. Not sure how well N's mom will keep it in, but it sure was one heck of a Christmas gift. My mom joined us at N's family's brunch, and while she already knew, it was special to have everyone together.

N's entire family takes a big fishing trip to Canada every July (aka, 1 month before the Cannoli is due). We decided to announce the pregnancy casually by saying "I don't think we're going to make it to Canada this summer... because M is pregnant." The news was greeted with the expected excitement; I was just as awkward as you could imagine. N's dad has been fighting cancer for over 3 years now, and we learned from N's mom and he was just saying he wished that we'd have a baby soon. That made it even more special.

So, Christmas 2013 will be accompanied by a new Cannoli, and traditions will suddenly mean more. Since N and I have been together, every year we have ended up just the two of us at our favorite sushi restaurant on Christmas Eve; I'd love to keep up this baby family tradition amidst the frenzy of the holidays. This year's sushi dinner was a couple days early, but the meaning was still there. As the snow from the first big storm of the season falls outside, I realize I can't wait to develop more traditions for our family.

Morning Sickness Prevention Plan

Remember my allusion to dreaded morning sickness symptoms in my last post? Well, I'm really serious about avoiding that whole bit. I know, I know, everyone wants to avoid that whole bit, but I feel like I really need to avoid it! I'm that girl who proudly goes years without puking (last puke, Portland, OR 2006. Holy cow, 6 years have gone by?!), and when I do puke I cry like I did when I was a kid. I can't imagine waking up feeling crappy, puking and still being expected to be on top of things at work. It seems like way too much to handle. I'm right on the verge of when the morning sickness could start and I really need to not puke and feel nauseous for 10 weeks in a row. Please?

In the interest of morning sickness prevention I've done some research and learned that I should a) stay hydrated and b) not get too hungry. So in addition to my usual bottles of water, this week I brought the following to work: Saltines, almonds, coconut water, tangerines and string cheese. I may just be using this as an excuse to get some extra snacking in at work, but so far so good.

This week we had our annual holiday dinner at my bosses house and I was noticeably the only one not drinking wine. I am sure some of my coworkers are gossiping about a possible pregnancy. If my coworkers have an inkling, I think I'll tell my mom and best friend soon. Seems only fair!

Cannoli

So, we're expecting. Or, should it be more like WE'RE EXPECTING!!!!!? I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel and I suppose I don't care. I'm excited, but scared. Thinking of all the things that are going to change in the next few months. Being on the lookout (or... feelout?) for dreaded morning sickness symptoms. Reminding myself not to buy any new pants right now because I soon won't be able to fit into them. I'm sure this is normal, and I'm doing all the things I'm supposed to do now that I know there's a Cannoli in the oven.

No one knows but N and me, it's still early. According to the interweb, I'm just finishing up my 4th week. When we found out I read aloud to N all the things that are going on inside of me; I substituted the word "baby" for "cannoli" because it's funnier that way.

I took the test on Monday, and scheduled my first prenatal visit for January 14th. I need to go in to see my OB once before this visit to confirm the pregnancy. N keeps asking if he should come to this confirmatory visit, but I'm pretty sure I just need to pee in a cup and have them say "yep, you're pregnant." I'm lucky to have a husband who wants to come to these things; I tell him to start thinking about things he'll want to ask at this first prenatal visit.

On Friday I made it through my first social event without drinking. A surprise 30th birthday for a friend, complete with bottles of champagne and 9:30pm dinner reservations. I sipped on some ginger ale in a stemless wine glass until I couldn't stand the taste of ginger ale anymore. I told someone I had an ear infection and was on anti-biotics. I asked for separate checks at dinner because I couldn't stand the thought of paying for everyone's booze. New Year's Eve should be interesting.

I haven't slept well all week, until last night. I slept til 10:30 this morning, woke up on and off throughout the morning feeling hungover. N brought me water and Saltines. 

My go-to when hungover is burgers and fries, so, we got a burger and fries for lunch. If pregnancy is like one giant hangover, I might have a problem.