Today was my second visit to the Gyn.  Zem accompanied me, excited to check up on Baby Z.  We both heard Baby Z’s heartbeat, and although I’ve already gone through the excitement of first hearing Zem’s heartbeat, it was still so heartwarming and amazing, knowing that baby is inside, being prepared for life outside of the womb, already with a purpose in his DNA.

After Zem heard the heartbeat, she asked me, "is his heart broken?"

I do appreciate how this Gyn., after every checkup, explains all the necessary procedures following my visit, answers all my questions, and gives tons of recommendations.  My last Gyn. tended to talk while I was having my checkup, which never helped my concentration.  I would drive home regretfully remembering the questions I had meant to ask. 

So to update, we’re 15 weeks and 4 days :).  I’m not into my second trimester which means I should be getting my appetite back.  Having shared my concerns w/ my doctor of my lack of weight after 15 weeks, I was assured that it wasn’t a pressing concern since the baby was shown to have been growing normally.  Phew. He also assured me, smilingly, that this should be an easy and great pregnancy since it’s my second time giving birth and being very healthy, with no history of problems or concern.  But we’re always praying every day for this baby.

So hopefully, by the end of this month, we’ll be able to know whether the Z is male or female.  But for now, appetite, come back. I is hungry!

I know I’ve posted this before, but I’ve finally uploaded it on YouTube for our Twelvesixteen.net readers for posting.

Corresponding pictures can be found in our Twelvesixteen Photo Gallery.

14 weeks, no weight gain. 1 pound.
no appetite.
i love fresh foods.

sweet lemonade
ice to the top
please

So, we’re 12 weeks. That’s what I look like at 12 weeks…hahahahaha.  Please don’t point fingers.

To eat or not to eat:  I haven’t really gained weight.  To be honest, I hardly eat because my appetite is non-existent.  I sometimes have to force myself to eat something, and when I do, I eat like mouse.  The most difficult thing for me these days is thinking and finding what to eat, because upon thinking of eating some type of meat, I feel disgusted.  I want salads, but prefer dressings that have egg in it.  But I can’t eat those.  I want turkey subs, but can’t have deli meat. That’s why I’m not gaining weight.

The baby bump:  But as you can see, still have that baby bump :).  I’m pretty proud of it; I’ve always loved having a baby bump, knowing that my beloved is in there. Pretty lame? Nah- it’s a mother thing.  My mom use to tell me that back in the day, women didn’t like publicly showing their baby bump even through their clothes; but here, these days, why be ashamed to let people know you’re having a baby- because, you are!  Why do women try to hide it under thick and loose clothes?

Post-Ultrasound:  So today, I got a phone call from my OBGYN giving me the results of my first ultrasound.  Everything looks great and the baby’s measurement confirms that we’re 12 weeks.  The news put a smile to my face, knowing the baby’s ok. Thank you Lord.

Pregnancy memories so far?

• During choir practice, when I start stressing, the women start screaming "she’s pregnant!"
• After youth, while hangout, the youth will drive to get me food because they’re super sweet.
• My husband, despite a long day at work, will drive to get me food that I’m craving, no matter how late.
• Every night, and I mean, every night, Ate Emma will pray for Baby Z.  And every morning, she’ll kiss my tummy and say "good morning, baby Z."
• Instead of hugs now, people greet me by saying, "Hi preggers!" and then rub my stomach.

I still weigh 115. So far, after almost 3 months, I’ve gained only one pound. The lack of weight gain is mostly due to my lack of appetite.  I eat a little and feel full, or I plainly get turned off by eating meats.  Some nights, all I eat is cereal because it feels and tastes fresh. Sometimes I crave meals that don’t need to be cooked, like sandwiches, salads, breads, cereal, etc.

So what do the books say?

Suuuuuuposedly, the first trimester allows you to add 1 pound each month, so 3 pounds the first 3 months. But most women don’t even gain weight because of all the nausea.

My problem isn’t that I’m throwing up or dry heaving, but I do feel sick sometimes because of the odors around me.  I become like wolverine and each smell intensifies, esp. when food is around, or when food is being cooked.  Even thinking of cooked food makes me feel sick and I have to strongly control and suppress.

So we’re 11 weeks and today was our first ultrasound for Baby Z.  We were super excited, and got up, prepared zem, and found the place.  The radiology center was impressive, esp. compared to my first pregnancy.  This one had a complete dressing room, like one you’d find in a spa, where you change into nice gowns, stored locker, and bathrooms.  My last pregnancy, no room, no robes; you were just in your own clothes while having the procedure. 

They even had a waiting room for Perze and Em, where they waited to be called into the ultrasound room to see Baby Z.  Their computers and screens weren’t even two years old and much clearer than the ones used for Em.

(Em on the left, Baby Z. on the right)

I was the first one to see Baby Z, and I couldn’t help but be such a sap about it.  For the record, I did tear a bit, and thanked God wholeheartedly for making such a miracle and for letting me be a mom again.  I couldn’t stop smiling every time I saw Baby.

Em was extremely excited to see Baby Z on the screen!  She even saw Baby kick inside me and thought it was so amusing.  (Afterwards, she even called her Lola Ruth and told her that Baby Z kicked inside me.)  The operator printed out two pictures for us and Em was so excited that she wouldn’t let go of the picture the whole time we were there.  It was so sweet to her her loving response and excited gestures.

But nope, too early to say the gender, but so far, everything looks great.

If you’re interested, we uploaded the pictures on the photo gallery, titled "Meeting Baby Z."