Daniel Jack Lewis

Well, after 2 weeks of being out in the world, I wanted to introduce you all to my new love, Daniel.  He was born May 16th at 11:30am at 7 lbs .5 ounces and has completely had me head over heels.  He is absolutely perfect and I could just stare at him all day!  His hobbies include eating, sleeping, pooping, and passing gas.  Amy and Cody are settling into their family of 3 life very well, and enjoying parenthood. 

We can't wait for Daniel J to meet his little cousin and for them to be best friends!! 

The good news is--- I'm officially at 12 weeks today and feel like I have more energy back, and have not been feeling as sick in the morning!! (Now, night time I still have had an upset stomach, but hoping that'll go away soon too I hope!)  I am going to attempt going back to kickboxing tonight-- I haven't been since I found out I was pregnant, b/c I just haven't felt like it at all!

Hope you had a good Memoral Day weekend--- Patrick and I enjoyed some R&R at the lake with Mom and Don.  It was WONDERFUL---we enjoyed some sun and good times together!  This coming weekend we will be going to Omaha for Patrick's oldest brother's wedding!  So excited for a good family wedding and to add another sister and nephew to the Altenhofen family!! 

10 week Sonogram picture

Our little bean!! I was amazed at how clearly we could make out parts of the baby (usually I really struggle to see what's going on in these pictures....maybe with my own baby it's easier??!) Look at those two sweet little feet!!.... Sorry for the slant :)

Week 10 Picture

 A little baby bump (or all the food I keep eating has been adding up!...maybe both!) :)

We're pregnant!!!

Today marks our 10 week mark--and today we got to hear the heartbeat and see the baby!! It was truly an amazing experience and just seems so crazy that I have that little baby growing and moving around in me right now.  They told me today that the baby is healthy, strong heartbeat (175) and the due date looks to be December 13!!  When we originally found out we were pregnant, we were pretty sure we knew the date, but turns out we were about two weeks off (we actually thought we were possibly going to have a Christmas baby, but hopefully he/she will be here before that!!)  So, a few thoughts from the first 2 months of being pregnant:

• No matter how many people tell you how they feel, it's completely different to experience all the symptoms firsthand!
• Morning sickness is NOT just subject to the morning.... I have been feeling pretty sick sometimes throughout the day, but generally at night also, usually around 7:00 or dinner time.  I am VERY thankful for no throwing up though, just nausea, but also have realized that it's good to feel bad, and means the baby is growing strong.
• My food aversions/cravings have been intense.....one of the first clues that I may be pregnant was that when I saw Patrick thawing out chicken for dinner, I almost gagged.  All day long I just couldn't stomach the thought of eating it!  (and for those of you that know me, I eat chicken all the time!!)  I have been eating a lot of saltine crackers (on my nightstand), peanut butter &toast, pretzels, sandwiches, salads still sound good too....cereal has been on and off! 
• Significant breast tenderness....and swelling :)
• Developed some acid reflux--- had one scary night I thought I was having a heart attack, my chest was so tight.  At times hard to breathe, but I'm on some meds now, so it's been helping (who knew that 50% of pregnant women will get acid reflux??  I sure didn't )
• The night I took a pregnancy test, Patrick was working with his group on a project for school....I didn't completely believe the frst one, so I took another....both obviously with the same answer....but I still went out and bought another brand, so I could take another in the morning, as they say that's the most accurate!  I was so shaky/nervous to tell Patrick, I wasn't sure how to do it without just blurting it out right when he walked in....so I googled how to tell your husband you are pregnant :)  Someone suggested writing in red lipstick on your stomach "Your going go to be a Dad"....well, I didn't go that far, but I thought I'd just write it down on a piece of paper, and put it on my back, so he wouldn't see it right when he walked in.  So, when he finally got home, he gave me a hug and felt the paper on my back, and said, "What's this?"  He read it and had the most priceless, shocked look on his face...I'll never forget it.  We hugged a lot, were in complete disbelief (me for quite awhile even after!), and were over the moon!

Otherwise, we are thrilled to be able to share the news.... I have a hard tme keeping secrets, so it was killing me not to tell people for several weeks!  We are so incredibly thankful and blessed that our baby is growing healthy, strong, and was moving so much today in the sonogram!