The past few weeks have been an absolute blur. Given how the first 15 weeks or so seemed to creep by at a snail's pace, I'm a little stunned with how quickly these recent days have gone by. It's hard to believe that at nearly 20 weeks, I'm just about halfway through this pregnancy.
But throughout the blur, things have been going well. The weeks before the holidays kept me running at a frantic pace, trying to keep up with preparations for my last two shows of the year, as well as the online etsy orders streaming in. The week before Christmas, I came down with an AWFUL cold. And let me tell you, being sick and pregnant is no picnic. I'm thankful to be on the tail end of that.
John and I were talking the other night about how surreal this whole year has been for me - leaving my full-time job, not really having a clue as to what was ahead for me - and ending up very pregnant and very pleased (and stunned!) about where this year has taken me. I am so grateful to everyone who has made it all possible - my family (and most especially my husband), friends, my coach, this remarkable online network, and of course all of the people who have made my business such a success by supporting my work. It's almost too overwhelming for me to take in.
As far as I can tell, little Bumble is doing just fine. I've started to feel her pretty regularly now, and it's quite an odd feeling at times. I feel lots of pokes and kicks - all the way from my cervix to up above my belly button. Sometimes it just feels like she's doing somersaults in there. Some days I feel her all throughout the day and other days I only feel her once or twice. John generally knows when this is happening because I seem to burst into uncontrollable giggles. I am completely amazed by this little life growing inside of me, and I can hardly believe that this is actually happening for us.
I have been trying my best to take it easy. We had a little scare two weekends ago. On Saturday morning, I had a bit of heavier bleeding and spotting, and I had been having a significant amount of cramping the night before. I called my OB's office and luckily, my OB was on call. We talked for about 20 minutes and she thought that everything was fine - that the old bleed was just resolving itself. John and I went in the next day and everything looked good - and the doppler picked up on Bumble's heartbeat right away. I sort of get the sense that she doesn't like it though, as I got several kicks while we were listening, and it sounded like she was trying to move away from the doppler. We have our next appointment with the specialist next Friday (1/4). I'm excited to see little Bumble again and to see what's happening with my placenta.
John and I have started talking about names, looking at furniture, and thinking about what we need to do to get ready for Bumble to come home with us. We're working on getting the nursery all cleaned out and ready and I've got a list of things I would like to research. I can't believe that there's only 4 1/2 months until she's expected. I still worry about all of the things the could go wrong, but each time I feel her swimming around in my belly, I'm filled with hope and so incredibly grateful for the chance to bring her home with us. And, for now, that's enough.
I am sorry about your scare a couple of weeks ago, but good to know that things are going well overall. 4 1/2 months will be here before you know it!!
Posted by: Mary Ellen | December 27, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Looks like it will be a new year to really look forward to. Great to hear things are going well.
Posted by: Vivien | December 27, 2007 at 01:12 PM
That's really wonderful!
Posted by: ali | December 27, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Thanks for updating us! I'm just overflowing with happiness for you. Lemme know if you need help painting the nursery or anything. I'm here anytime you need me.
Posted by: skm | December 28, 2007 at 08:45 AM
What a great update! That last bleed must have been scary. I'm glad all is well though. Hang in there! It sounds like things are great!!!
Posted by: Megan | December 28, 2007 at 09:17 AM
So relieved to hear from you...I was getting a bit worried. But I'm happy all is well. Those little kicks are pretty amazing aren't they? Wait for the next few months...those kicks turn to rolls and squishes and lots of fun! :-0
Posted by: Andi | December 28, 2007 at 12:37 PM
So glad to hear everything is okay with you and Bumble!
Posted by: rockmama | December 28, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Good to hear things are going well. Hope you stay healthy the rest of your pg, and Happy Holidays to you, John and of course, little Miss Bumble. There are times, I just love reading your blog. Like when you mention how you giggle when Bumble lets you know she is there - I can just picture it and tears of happiness jump into my eyes for you. I cannot wait to meet this little girl! I can only imagine how you must feel!!! Here's to an exciting 2008!!
Posted by: mollyk | December 29, 2007 at 04:32 PM
here's to you, and to john, and to bumble. happy new year!
Posted by: angie | December 30, 2007 at 07:08 PM
I'm so happy for you both that all's right with you and Bumble! Have a wonderful New Year and try to enjoy yourself---this is, by far, the best time in your pregnancy!
Posted by: Brandon | December 31, 2007 at 09:51 AM
So glad you are still progressing along. I love that you are picking out names! Pick a great one for the little bundle of amazing!
Posted by: SaraS-P | January 02, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Congratulations! Sorry to hear about the scare though. Feeling the baby move is amazing. I remember that was my favorite part of being pregnant with my DD. Can't wait to feel that again! Maybe soon. We're going back to our RE on Jan 7th.
Posted by: Heather | January 02, 2008 at 12:28 PM
nikole, i'm SO happy this pregnancy is going so well. i hope the next time i see you it is as a new mom with this sweet baby in your arms.
Posted by: jen lemen | January 02, 2008 at 09:55 PM
nikole, i'm SO happy this pregnancy is going so well. i hope the next time i see you it is as a new mom with this sweet baby in your arms.
Posted by: jen lemen | January 02, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Allow me to offer a song that you might enjoy. Ready or Not by Jackson Browne. This song is only about 35 years old. Please, no comments. It's all about the joy and confusion of becoming a parent, especially from the male point of view. Here's some lyrics, but you need to hear the original if you can.
Someone's going to have to explain it to me
I'm not sure what it means
My baby's feeling funny in the morning
She's having trouble getting into her jeans
Her waist-line seems to be expanding
Although she never feels like eating a thing
I guess we'll reach some understanding
When we see what the future will bring
Posted by: Paul Hammond | January 05, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Dear Nikole, it's so good to hear that things are looking so good for Bumble, and that she's a girl! How wonderful. I'm very sorry about your bleeding scare -- that kind of thing is frightening indeed. I hope your placenta travels upwards, so you won't have to worry about previa anymore. So glad you're being monitored so closely.
What a watershed year 2007 was for you -- and may 2008 bring you nothing but joy.
Posted by: Kath | January 07, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Hi Nikole - a bit worried that you haven't posted since Friday. Hoping everything is OK.
Posted by: Vivien | January 09, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I'm thinking of you, too, and hope things are well.
Posted by: Mimi | January 09, 2008 at 08:45 PM