Finding out about Baby Cunigan

Kris and I were very excited when we found out that we were going to have a baby. We found out on on December 22nd that I was pregnant.

Some of the first signs were:
1. Emotional breakdowns: One Friday afternoon, I got really emotional at work. I am emotional normally but I cried and I couldn't stop crying for 2 hours. I was upset but not upset enough to cry for 2 hours. I played it off to exhaustion.

2. Emotional breakdowns: Kris and I went to NYC with my parents and in the middle of Toys R Us I starting crying again. I didn't cry as long but I was overcome with emotion.

3. Weak immune system: I keep feeling run down and tired. I ended up getting bronchitis. I felt like my body was "off". I usually am busy in December so I blamed my crazy schedule on my weak immune system.

4. Other symptoms: I had various other symptoms that indicated pregnancy as well.

When I found out I was pregnant, I took two tests in a row just for verification. I told Kris by telling him we received our first Christmas gift early! It was ironic that it was the first year we decided to not give gifts and then we were given one of the greatest gifts.

When I told Kris, I was so excited that I cried. Kris was excited and then he asked what we needed to do now. We didn't even know where to start!

"Our nervous faces" 

Planning Gender Reveals

Last night,  I started preparing for one of my gender reveal parties. Saren and I prepped eggs and flowers for the gender reveal party in KC. 

Saren had to take over the eggs so I did not break any. Kris jumped in to help too! (I have been a little clumsier than normal.) I took care of the flowers. 

It was an entertaining and enjoyable night! I can't wait for the actual reveal! 

Pregnancy Announcements

One of the first exciting things we planned early on was our pregnancy announcement pictures. Below are several of the pictures we used to inform our friends and family we were pregnant and expecting!

March Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday, I had my March Doctor's appointment. I was a little nervous because last time we had a little trouble finding the baby's heartbeat. The appointment ended up going wonderfully.

My blood pressure was the lowest it has ever been, my belly was measuring exactly at 18 weeks, and the baby's heartbeat was 154. The doctor told me there was nothing to worry about and that I was doing great. I felt relied.

Tomorrow, I have to get a scan on my leg. Last week I hurt my leg somehow (probably running) and it was been swelling. I thought it was just a pregnancy symptom but the left leg has been bothering me. As a precaution, the doctor wants me to get it checked out. I officially cannot run anymore in my pregnancy though. I will have to start exercising on stationary equipment.

Here I am currently at 18 weeks :)

Pregnancy Symptoms

Some people love pregnancy and some people are completely miserable while pregnant. I completely understand both sides now. My pregnancy symptoms haven't been too bad. I definitely cannot complain but I thought it would still be neat to list out my pregnancy symptoms so far.

1. Exhaustion: During the first trimester, I was completely exhausted. I was lucky and didn't have any morning sickness but the exhaustion was challenging to deal with. I like to be constantly busy and I learned real quick that working 40 hours a week and then sleeping the rest of the time was all I could do.

2. Back Pain: I normally have back pain because I slouch and sit all day. My back pain has increased a little but not too bad. The first trimester was a challenge because I couldn't go to a chiropractor or get a massage. This week, I was lucky enough to get my first prenatal massage which was wonderful. I have also starting using heating pads as well.

3. Nausea: My nausea isn't bad at all. The worst thing is that I usually have to eat a little something every 2-3 hours or I get nauseous. I have one trigger as well: peanuts. Before pregnancy, I loved peanuts. The sight of them churns my stomach now.

4. Swelling: My feet and hands have started to swell over the past few weeks. I finally had to cut off my wedding rings. It was sad because I have worn those rings for 5 years. Kris and I decide to try to cut the rings off ourselves. It was an adventure but with no injuries we were able to remove my rings.

I know there will be more symptoms to come. It is definitely a journey each week.

Searching for the "Right" Daycare

Kris and I have always planned to continue working once we had our first baby. Since we plan to continue to work, we have to find a daycare. One that we trust especially since our child will be there 40 hours a week.

I knew that I would be a picky parent especially since I have a Child Development background. I didn't realize it would hit me already. Daycare shopping is a challenge. We didn't know that you need to start searching for daycare prior to getting pregnant. A few weeks ago, I started looking at daycares because I thought I was getting a head start and then I found out that wherever we go we will probably be on a wait list for awhile. Also, daycare is super expensive. We heard that around our area that daycare is about $200-250 per week. Some are even more than that.

I have toured three daycares now. The first one I went by myself and was overwhelmed because I didn't know enough to ask. The second one, my friend Jackie came along and helped ask questions which was super helpful. The third one, Kris and my friend Scarlett came along. It is helpful to see other people's perspectives but I still don't know which to choose. We are still exploring and are attempting to find in-home daycares now. I completely understand why people move near family when they have kids!

Cleaning Up Baby Cunigan's Room

Last weekend, my mom came to visit and we were able to start preparing for Baby Cunigan. One of the biggest tasks we accomplished was preparing Baby Cunigan's room. Currently, the room is a junk room so we had to start by cleaning it out.

Here is the before picture:

Here is the after picture:

We now can start putting baby stuff in the room. Our first items were books and clothing!

Can't wait to set up more baby stuff!