Well,

My name is Amanda and I'm currently in college. My mom is originally from Guatemala and we all took a vacation down there over Thanksgiving. I noticed I was late while I was there and figured it was just my body being dumb. On the plane ride back I was so nauseas I threw up which is unlike me, but I still didn't really think I was pregnant. That weekend I still hadn't started so my best friend bought me two tests. When they came out positive we were shocked. My fiance (husband now) took it rough but once we got over the initial shock and told our families, we became so incredibly excited!! We already love our little man so much and we can't wait for his arrival. My due date is July 18th and I can't wait!

February 27th, 2008: (19 weeks)

So I figured I would start keeping a journal on here. It seems like a fun thing to do. Well, I'm 19 going on 20 weeks pregnant and my clothes are getting tighter and tighter by the minute! There are jackets and shirts that fit me literally a week ago that now will not zip or are tight! It's like I had a growth spurt or something. I have to keep telling myself this is a good thing and that it's the baby and not just me getting fatter. I never realized it would be so hard to seperate gaining weight fears from pregnancy excitment. The baby is kicking all the time which is so wonderful! I love being able to know that it's moving around in there. I've been chewing on ice almost non-stop for about 2 weeks now, I love it. I doubt it's anemia though, it's something I've done since I was a child and energy wise I feel great. Chris finally felt the baby kick and he was the HAPPIEST I have ever seen him. His face lit up so bright. The baby kicked maybe 6-7 times when he felt it and he felt it about 3 times. My cravings are starting to increase and whenever I'm at work I crave the CRAZIEST things. I have my next monthly appointment on March 21st and since our baby was not on our side during the ultrasound, we're going to have to wait on finding out the sex and schedule another one at our check up. That's about it. I'm back to my original weight finally! No more weight loss. I just hope I gain with grace and not overnight!

March 11th, 2008: (21 weeks)

I wrote about 2 weeks ago and since then nothing really has changed. I put on 5 lbs. which makes my total weight gain...5 lbs! For the past two days I haven't felt the baby kick much, maybe once or twice every few hours. I know it shouldn't worry me that much but I just feel very funny and strange. I don't know if I'm imagining it at all but I don't "feel" pregnant all of a sudden. Chris tells me it's because I'm so used to it now and I'm hoping he's right. I even feel like all of a sudden my belly got smaller! (maybe because I didn't stuff my face at lunch today?!) I don't know. I want to go to the doctors just to be sure and even though I'm sure I'm being paranoid it would be much more comforting to know everything is alright.

March 13, 2008:

So last night I ended up having to go to the dreaded hospital here in Portales because of pains and cramping that I was having. I wasn't happy about going here because of how INSANE and incompetent they are here, but we went for the baby to make sure s/he was ok. Long story short, (in order to not frustrate myself more) I was not contracting which they thought I might be, the baby's heart beat was in the high 140's and it was healthy. That's a relief. And now s/hes kicking a lot more which is wonderful! I'm still having cramps though so I will have to call my midwife.

April 11th, 2008:

I've been busy which I guess is a good think. We had an ultrasound a few weeks ago and... We're so excited! It was one of the most amazing experieces in the world getting to see him show his privates like he was proud! Haha. And man was Chris proud too! His was the happiest I've ever seen him. We're naming him Ethan, and it's amazing how much of a personality he already has. I can see his kicks through my stomach now and If I have my hand somewhere where he's kicking I can actually feel body parts/bones. It's crazy but amazing. I really think I'm going to miss him inside of me, but at the same time I can't wait to have him in my arms! We were approved for our apartment, so now it's just 3 more LONG weeks until we can move in. I feel like this semester is never going to be over. I left my boppy pillow at home so I've been sleeping all week in saddness. Thankfully, Cathy (my future mother in law) mailed it, so it should be here monday at the latest :D I'm spoiled. Everything else is going wonderfully. I feel like I'm in heaven with my little boy being so active and dancing all the time. I love him so much already, it's amazing. :) I have my 27 week visit next friday and I'll probably have my glucose test done then. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything comes out fine.

June 14th, 2008: (35 weeks)

Almost there!!! I haven't written in a while but there's not much new. We're married now and in our apartment and I have FINALLY begun nesting. Our little man's room is 98% done (minus a few wall hangings) but if he were to come now we would be prepared! I'm sore everywhere, especially the ribs tonight, but nothing too bad. My back has been hurting pretty bad also but swimming today really did the trick. I MIGHT *cross fingers* be getting another ultrasound done here in a week or two. Besides that nothing much has changed. Chris is having some trouble finding a job and we're debating whether or not he should continue hunting for one before the baby comes or try to line one up to start the week after the baby is born since he would have to take a week off anyways. Who knows! We're just trying to stay positive and play things day by day.

Us on the day of our wedding!!

Daddy, Mommy and baby at 19 weeks ♥ 2/25/08

The baby's first picture at 18 weeks!

Our beautiful baby boy at 23 weeks!

We're so proud, and so is he!!! Haha. 23 weeks.