Baby crosses the Boarder

Week 16 took Baby H across the boarder! We were Cabo bound for our good friends Lindsey and Joe's wedding. The beach wedding was beautiful and both Kyle and I were honored to be a part of this really special day. Congrats, Lindsey and Joe!
I learned my lesson from the previous weekend and made sure there was plenty of room in this bridesmaid dress for Baby H. This included a rush order delivery of the dress in the next size up. But Baby was much happier!
We laugh when we talk about how we told Lindsey and Joe about this pregnancy. Perhaps one of my favorite reactions to Baby H!
A few days before our 8 week ultrasound Kyle and I went out to dinner with Lindsey, Lora and Joe. I told them that Kyle and I had a date planned for Thursday. When Lora asked, "Oh where are you guys going?" Well I said, "Kyle and I are going to the doctor for our baby's first ultrasound."
Lora with a concerned face, "Oh my gosh, what's wrong with Simba?!"
And Lindsey, "On no, Simba has to have an ultrasound!"
When Joe pipes in and says with a laugh, "You guys, Kathy is trying to tell you she's pregnant!"
Now, in their defense I often refer to Simba as our baby. And Simba will always be our first four legged baby. We all got a good laugh and they were really excited for us. Such a fun night.

No Salmon

Now that I have finished the first trimester, most of my food aversions have subsided. And I can even go to the grocery store without feeling the overwhelming urge to puke my guts out. Or as Kyle likes to say, "make street pizza," "have a technicolored yawn" and "shout groceries". But that's enough of the puke slang.
I think its all the smells and foods together that made the grocery store a particularly rough time for baby H. One of the major food averison Baby H has had, is salmon. Salmon is one of my favorites. Before this pregnancy, I probably ate it at least once a week. Early in the pregnancy I was making it for dinner, as usually and started feeling a little queasy. It wasn't until I tried to take my first bite of the salmon that I realized Baby H was not having it. I've tried it a few more times since then and just can not eat it. Other fish are fine and baby seems to really like them but we might have a salmon hater on our hands.

Pink or Blue?!! Neutral Green!

Pink or Blue?!! Boy or Girl?!! I don't have the answer. And our doctor appointment where we could find out is fast approaching. But we have decided to go for the surprise. With a neutral green nursery. But Kyle says if there is something that I have to have for Baby H. that is gender specific that I can get it and return it if necessary. I'm thinking pink accents if its a girl (I love green and pink together) and blue accents if its a boy. Blue goes with a neutral green nursery, right?
Baby H. got his first nursery accessory from our friends, Ian and Sarah (WHO ARE GETTING MARRIED THIS WEEKEND!!! WOO HOO!!!). A cute little owl that hangs from the door to let you know if baby is sleeping. When I opened it Simba immediately thought it was for him. Jealous puppy! The owl is pictured above! Isn't it adorable?! And the colors are perfect:) Thanks, friends!
I've begun the search for the perfect bedding and nursery furniture but haven't found a perfect fit just yet. So I am open to suggestions! Any ideas for us?

Baby Goes to Boston

Rounding up the end of the first trimester, baby goes to Boston. This was not only baby's first time in Boston, but Kyle's and mine too! We loved it. It has a San Francisco meets the east coast feeling. We were there for the Boston Marathon. Kyle was running the historic and hilly and treacherous 26.2 miles!
I decided that baby and I would cheer Kyle on at the Boston college campus. Right before the notorious "Heartbreak Hill". I was even able to meet up with the youngest of the Polark clan, Michael, who is still a student at BC. He was so nice to come hang out with me and wait to cheer on Kyle!
Just watching the runners and being in the atmosphere makes me want to catch the marathon bug again. But not this year! Maybe after baby H. enters the world:)
Kyle did great and completed the marathon! He's seventh! We had a fabulous and SUPER busy time exploring the great city and BC campus. And (this is for you, BC grads. Especially Lindsay T.) although B.C. is no Marquette, it really was a beautiful campus. Maybe if Baby H. doesn't want to go to Marquette (which, why wouldn't he?), B.C. could be an acceptable choice...GO MU!!!

Belly Band

Around 10 weeks I started to notice my pants were getting a little snug. My cousin, Alana, who is currently pregnant with her second baby suggested the belly band. This is a great product and I highly recommend it! Its much better than walking around with your pants unbuttoned!
A few weeks later was my girlfriend, Lindsey's bachlorette party. I didn't want to wear the belly band. I just wanted to celebrate my friends upcoming wedding and be one of the girls. So I wore stretchy jeans and figured I was good. Later in the evening I was getting pretty uncomfortable and figured it was time to go to the bathroom and unbutton my pants. I just made it to the bathroom when I heard what sounded like a coin hitting the floor. Nope! It wasn't a coin but rather the button to my jeans. I clearly had waited too long. I guess I learned my lesson. Tight pants need the belly band or baby will make room all by herself!

Heartbeat

At our 12 week appointment we got to hear baby H's heartbeat. Kyle was slightly less nervous at this doctor visit. Just slightly.
When the technician said not to worry that it might take her a minute to find the baby we waited as she moved the instrument across my belly. It was odd but I just knew where Baby H was laying. Not that I've been able to feel her move just yet but my mommy instincts knew where she was. Baby H. was low and on the far right side. Hearing the heartbeat was incredible. Fast and rhythmic and beautiful. Baby's heartbeat was 150 beat per minute. Up until this point, I firmly believed that we were having a girl. Fetal heartbeats are usually anywhere between 120 and 190 beats per min. The slower heartbeats for the baby boys and the faster heartbeat for the baby girls. Of course 150 is right in the middle. But most of nephews were right around the 150 mark at 12 weeks and my one and only niece's was much faster. Baby boy or baby girl?! The mystery still continues! But its fun to guess in the meantime:)

Where did my hips go?!

Somewhere between 10 and 11 weeks pregnant I woke up to a very disturbing discovery. My hips were gone. I went to bed and they were still there. I woke up and they were gone. Panic! Is this normal?!
I texted my sister in law, July, who had just had her first baby and she said that she remembered all kinds of bones start to go missing during pregnancy and not to worry, they all come back after the baby was born. I texted my sister in law, Erin and mother of two, and she said that this sounded about right. Neither of these answers comforted me to the level I needed. No offense ladies. I searched web-md and my pregnancy books and none of them said anything about this phenomenon.
I can be a bit of a hypochondriac and pregnancy only amplifies this trait. So I called my doctor. I am somewhat certain that my doctors have my file red-flagged, for calls just like this. The doctor reassured me that my hips weren't "gone" but were shifting into position for the baby. And that they would in fact return to there original position after baby H was born. She also told me that "most" women don't even notice this body change and that I must be "very in tune to my body". She also tried to tell me that this change, like I reported, did not happen over night. I disagree. My hips were there when I went to sleep! This was my first, OMG pregnancy symptom. I thought I was well read and talked to enough women to know what to expect, but apparently I still have a few surprises ahead of me.

Baby's First Wedding

CONGRATS!! To Deanne and John!! The wedding was beautiful and I was honored to be a part of their day! Greek weddings are AWESOME! The traditions, the dancing, LOVED IT!
This was Baby Hartman's first wedding and baby was acting up a little. Now, I figure this was the first time that baby made me leave mass a little early but certainly will not be the last. I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I am no longer in charge. That I am taking a backseat to my own body. I took pride in the fact that I never puked during this pregnancy. Well...I can no longer say this. At least we were able to make it to the bathroom:)
Maybe baby was just really excited about the wedding? But more likely baby was a little unhappy about a dress that was a little tight (darn seamstress!)...Luckily baby was able to bounce back somewhat quickly and we were able to enjoy the rest of the wedding festivities. Baby Hartman had a wonderful time at the wedding and can't wait for the next one:)

Baby's First Picture

Our 8 week appointment was Kyle's first "girls only" doctor experience. He was noticeable uncomfortable from the moment we walked in. We checked in at the registration desk and Kyle whispers, "Even the receptionist is pregnant!" Like he was the only one in there not pregnant.

When it was our turn to go back to the examination room, Kyle looked even more uncomfortable. They were going to begin with the ultrasound.

**Side note here for all women that may one day have an 8 week ultrasound. And to all men that may one day escort their ladies to this appointment. This ultrasound does not occur on the belly like in the movies. For more details, I would be happy to answer any questions.**

During the non-on top of the belly ultrasound Kyle was shifting his weight from foot to foot and his face was turning red. Poor Kyle didn't know what he was getting himself into. I think the nervousness he was exuding was making even the doctor nervous. But after a few minutes up on the screen came our little person. So little and yet you could still make out the head, belly and limbs. We could even see all four chambers of the heart beating. It was love at first sight. This was the first time I really believed it, there really is a baby in there! Our baby! Above is Baby's first ever picture. Pretty amazing huh?!

Baby's First Vaca

I was only about 6 weeks along when we had a vacation planned to Hawaii with some of my family. I had had my first doctor appointment already confirming the pregnancy but still it was really early. I didn't want to share our news yet but didn't see any way around it. On the first night over dinner I was going to tell my family. They would certainly notice somewhat quickly that I would not be surfing, scuba diving or enjoying a Mai Tia or two. And I wanted to make sure that I told them before they became suspicious.

We sat down to dinner and I waited for the perfect window to fit it in. We started talking about upcoming birthdays. Kyle, my dad and I all had birthdays that were nearing. My dad likes to tell the story that the day I was born his beeper fell into the hospital toilet. This is what he remembers the most about that day. That and that his first daughter, 5th child was born!

So I asked what everyone remembered most about the day our nephew Jacob was born. Everyone else told their story and then I went. I told them that I remember it as the day Kyle and I found out we were going to become parents. My dad did his big bugged eyed, deep breath thing that he does when one of shocks him. Which doesn't happen often but it was pretty classic. And my brother, Tim, nearly chocked on his salad. Funny stuff:)

Hawaii was great! I can tell that even at only 6 weeks gestation, Baby H loves Hawaii just as much as I do. I love Chicago and being a Chicagoan but really think I am meant to be a Maui dwelling Hawaiian. Now if only Baby H and I could convince Kyle:) You'd come visit us, right?!

Telling Kyle

I had always pictured the way I would tell Kyle he was going to be dad. It was well thought out with a great setting and I had all the perfect words and it would be movie perfect material. Well, maybe if there's a next baby because that is not how it happened this time.
He was already at the airport when I had all 4 positive pregnancy tests in front of me. I kept telling myself, I can wait until he gets home on Friday, I can wait, I can wait, I can wait! Well, I waited...about 45 minutes.
While Kyle was in Iraq he told me not to keep things from him. Good or bad news he wanted to know what was going on at home. Sometimes soldiers come home to learn something had happened months ago and no one told them because they didn't want to upset them or make them feel left out while away. I called Kyle at the airport and asked if this same rule applied while he was in CA before his HUGE exam. He immediately asked if I crashed the car. "No, I didn't crash the car!" He said that yes, the rule still applied. He wanted to know good or bad what was going on even if it might effect his thinking during his three day exam. After multiple, "Are you sures?" I blurted out, "I'm pregnant." We both sat on the phone for a few minutes in a state of pure shock. And then the excitement hit. WE ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS:)
We can never forget the date, 2/22/10, that we found out...BECAUSE it was also the day our nephew, Jacob Paul entered the world!! It made the day even that much more special!

2 Pink Lines

It was Monday morning, Feb. 22. Kyle was leaving early that morning for California to take the CA BAR exam and wouldn't be home until Friday. I woke up early with him to see him off to the airport. Since I was up early I decided I would start my new post- winter workout routine. And on a whim...before I was about to head out to my workout class...maybe I would take a pregnancy test. There was no reason for me to take this test. I wasn't having any pregnancy symptoms of any kind and it was still too early for other signs to point me into believing I might be pregnant. But I took it anyway. Left the test on the counter, walked away, thinking there is no way this is going to be positive. Came back in a few minutes later when HOLY MOLY!!! Two bright pink lines!!! I immediately started crying - happy tears, shocked tears and excited tears. Then I pulled myself together and thought THIS MUST BE WRONG. Duh, faulty test or something. So I went to Walgreen's, bought 3 more test and when I had all 4 test lined up with all those pink lines...then I finally thought...WOAH...I'm pregnant.