Results

Cory and I had our 3rd appointment with our Midwife yesterday. Man, she is just so great!! We got our genetic testing results back, and all came back well. No signs of any abnormalities, so we are thrilled to hear that. We will have our 2nd ultrasound in about 3 weeks. This will be an extensive one where they will take lots and lots of measurements of the baby's organs and limbs to further determine how things are looking. And, of course, we will also get to find out if we're having a little Cory or a mini Miriam.

The only "bad" news I received yesterday, was stepping on the scale. Wowza! I am already up almost 17 pounds. Sheesh. However, I'm trying really hard not to worry too much and let it bother me. I had a rough go with the nausea and basically only ate what sounded good. That left little to no room for exercise as well. YOU try exercising when all you can do is try not to throw up.

Now that I'm feeling much better, I am starting to focus on eating better again. I'm still on the meat wagon, as it's really the best way for me to get iron and protein. My blood results did come back with some mild anemia. I've also been a bit more active. Not at the level I'd like to think I would be, but I've been on a few short walks, and have been working in my yard when the weather permits.

I know I'm going to have to work really hard to get back into shape after the little bug arrives. It is already a really important goal to me. I fully plan on being a hot jogger mom. Watch out Greenlake ladies. I'm going to give you a serious run for your money. It may be a bit ambitious, but my goal will be to participate in the Wenatchee 1/2 marathon next April. The goal will simply be to finish it...no time goals, etc. Just to complete the 13.1. My long term goal is to complete my 2nd full marathon Spring or Summer of 2013.

My belly is starting to poke out just a bit. I already FEEL big, but I know I have a long way to go. I'm sure in the next month it will begin to grow by leaps and bounds, and honestly, I'm excited for that! I've been feeling little minor flutters that I THINK are baby movements, but it's really hard to say. I imagine in the next few weeks that it'll start to become pretty clear.

On a completely unrelated note...let's get moving with these seasons we call Spring and Summer, shall we Seattle? Sheesh...I will not tolerate another cold Summer. Get yer butt in gear already!

I've decided that my nw job as mother-to-be is to find the best Gelato in the cit of Seattle. Thanks to Chris Bange and Alex Blouin for pointing the way to D'Ambrosio Gelato in Ballard last night! It was a perfect finish to our dinner at Thaiku just up the street. The only other time I had set foot in D'Amborsio was about 4 or 5 weeks ago when my Mom was visiting. We were strolling through the Ballard Sunday Market and I was desperate for a cold drink. It was during a time of heavy nausea for me, and I couldn't handle the smell coming from the sweet shop. I had to make a quick exit.

However, that period seems to mostly have passed and I am finding my appetite on the mend! Oh sweet, sweet relief! After listening to Bange and Alex discuss where to find the best Gelato in Seattle last night, I decided it should be my duty, yes my DUTY , to assess the situation for myself. The goal will be to hit up one place per week. I'll aim to do this on Sundays. Let me know if you're free to join! Second, third, and fourth opinions are welcome!

So far D'Ambrosio will be hard to beat. Lots of fun flavors without being pretentious. The girl behind the counter was really great. Okay, maybe the place was mildly pretentious--but it is Ballard-Hipster-Ave after all! I had peach-orange yogurt (so it wasn't actually gelato this time, but I did manage to snag a taste of Alex's pistachio and it was delicious!) It was so creamy without being too heavy or melting all over the place, the flavor was perfectly balanced, and plus you get it in a cone for free!

I think the next place I try will be QFC. Yes, that's right...the grocery store. Since this was the subject of much debate last night, I think I better tackle this one quickly! We shall see...stay tuned! Then onto much more distinguished vendors such as Fainting Goat Gelato, Bottega Italiano, Procopio Gelateria, Gelatiamo, and The Chocolate Box.

On the pregnancy front--all is going well so far. I have my next prenatal appointment tomorrow moring, and we should be getting our second round of genetic testing results back. No phone calls from our Midwife, Sally, so that is a good sign. At my last appointment things were looking really good so far, and the first part of the testing came back normal. We should get more information on the Downs Syndrome testing tomorrow. Our next ultrasound will be in about 3 weeks, and we will find out if we are having a junior or a juniorette. I can hardly believe it's just 3 weeks away! It will mark the 20th week of my pregnancy--half way through. That blows my mind!

On a related note, my sister found out she is having a baby girl! Congrats to Christa, Brandon, and Jaxon. Jaxon has decided her name sill be "Sis".