Back in School

While all the neighborhood kids are out trolling the streets these days, because they have nothing better to do, I'm furiously studying. I just started my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification course yesterday. Wow, I had no idea how much work and studying this would be! I have a class every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9 pm for two months solid, and then lots and lots of reading. It's all online, so at least I'm at home. Once I complete the course, I then have to sign up for the certification exam. It's a 200 question exam that takes 4 hours to complete. It's multiple choice, but all the questions are situational and very detailed. Other's I've talked to say it's pretty intense and you must know your stuff to pass. With my pregnancy brain, I've noticed that it's much harder to remember things (or say things correctly, for that matter). I'm hoping I retain all the information. Wish me luck!

A New Look

My mom asked about a due date ticker, so if mom asks, she shall receive. It made me want to update the look and feel of my blog... so here you go! For those of you who like to comment (which I love, by the way), you just click the number of comments for each post (even if it says "0") and it will bring you to the comments section where you can leave your wonderful and witty remarks.

Something New Every Day

So, I read a little about the possible reason for my congestion. It's apparently called "pregnancy rhinitis". Basically, your nasal passages freak out and it can last the entire pregnancy. It is usually caused by an increase in hormones. I'm hoping it only lasts a little while and not through the entire pregnancy. I also read that pregnant women are much more susceptible to getting colds and flu because the immune system is suppressed (in order to not attack the baby).

Update on Amy: Amy received her blood transfusion yesterday and was doing well enough to go home! We are so happy that their little family is all together at home!

Allergies

I've decided that because my pregnancy has been so easy thus far that I'm being punished in other ways. I have apparently developed some crazy allergies this year. The pollen count on weather.com shows that Maple, Oak and Mulberry trees are high or very high in pollen count right now, and boy can I feel it! I also read that when you are pregnant you can develop different allergies (which may or may not go away after the baby is born). I'm sneezing and sniffling like nobody's business! There's my complaint for the day (and probably many more days to come).

PS- Baby Clea is doing really well but Amy is still in the hospital and most likely will get a blood transfusion today. Wish their sweet family good luck and a quick return home!

Introducing: Clea!

My wonderful brother Zach and beautiful sister-in-law Amy had their little girl yesterday! She was born in the evening around 8-ish. I won the bet as to how much she would weigh... 7 lbs, 4 oz. She is around 21 inches long. A pretty big baby for being 2 weeks early!

Baby is doing great, but mom had a rough night. Hopefully, she will get her strength back soon and do better today.

Zach was just beaming yesterday. Anthony and I were really lucky to be able to see them right after the birth. They all looked amazing! My 8 year old nephew Sam is "sort of excited" about being a big brother. Congratulations, Zach, Amy and Sam on the new arrival! You make a beautiful family.

A Growing Belly

I'm starting to wonder how long I'll be able to use the old hair elastic through the button loop trick much longer (see picture demonstrating something similar). I'm still in that funky not quite ready for maternity clothes, but all my pants are too tight, phase. Anthony told me this morning that he loves my belly (while rubbing it, mind you). I guess I'll just have to get used to the idea that I'm going to get rounder. While watching the finale' of "Biggest Loser" last night, it was a bit frustrating knowing that I'm only going to get bigger. All those contestants looked amazing! One of my favorite shows ever!

A Blurry But Fantastic Image

Here is the picture of our baby. I know, it looks like a big grey blob. On the right side is the head, there is one arm and one leg showing in the image, but most importantly, there was a heartbeat.

I found out yesterday that I have a B negative blood type. This means that I'll need to take shots of RhoGAM at my 28th week and after the baby is born to prevent me from creating antibodies that could attack the baby if it has a positive Rh factor. If there are any complications they will need to give me a shot earlier. It's all very manageable, so we aren't too worried about it. Thank you again to our family and friends for the love and support! We are really excited!