It's A . . . bout Time!

Danny and I are ecstatic to finally announce that we are pregnant for the very first time!!

We are still very early in the pregnancy (four weeks as of February 16th), so we are bracing ourselves for the mishaps that are more common in the first trimester, but we are obviously hoping for the best.

We did two home pregnancy tests on my birthday (Feb. 14), both of which appeared to be positive.  I couldn't believe the swell of emotions I felt when I saw the "second blue line" appearing.  In January, when we had first started trying to get pregnant, but then I had my period, I was a little depressed.  I wondered if we would have a hard time getting pregnant.  As day 26 of my cycle approached in February, I began to brace myself for another month of not getting pregnant.  So, when I saw those two blue lines, it felt like a miracle!  It seems amazing that somehow, two little cells can find each other, combine into one entity that implants itself inside me, and will change our lives forever.

The sweetest emotion I felt was when Danny and I were praying together a little later and he said, "Please bless our baby to be healthy."  Our baby!  I still can't believe it!!


So far, some symptoms I've experienced have been:
- Acne breakouts
- Extreme tenderness and swelling in the chest region
- PMS-like mood swings

I have not yet experienced morning sickness (knock on wood) but I read that that might not come until week six or so.

Things I have given up since trying to get pregnant:
- Caffeinated sodas
- Soda in general (for the most part)
- Ibuprofen
- Airborne (I swear by this stuff to help me get over a cold more quickly)
- Disneyland / California Adventure rides (even though I'll be in Southern California this week)
- Melatonin or Tylenol PM to help me fall asleep

But actually, speaking of falling asleep, I am almost constantly tired; I fall asleep almost as quickly as Danny does -- it's awesome! (Normally, he falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, and I end up just laying there, thinking of my to-do list, the days' past events, future days' events, my Costco shopping list, etc.)

Also, I can't seem to drink enough water.  My body does not want the "CrystaLight On-the-Go Lemonade" version of water -- just ice-cold water in large quantities, please!