the beginning.

(3rd ultrasound, 9 weeks)

Ok, let's start at the very beginning. After all, it's a very good place to start.

I got pregnant mid-to-late March and I went to my doctor at the end of April to confirm my pregnancy. Due to previous complications, my doctor put me on progesterone. The very next morning I woke up sick. My morning sickness had kicked into full gear and I was only five weeks along--a much earlier start than any of my other pregnancies.

For the next ten weeks I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. My vomiting was so frequent that my throat would bleed and I'd throw up blood. I couldn't keep fluids down and there were a few times that my doctor wanted to hospitalize me.

Now, if you know me at all, you know that I'm pretty tough. I've experienced broken bones, surgery, two C-sections, and suffered through my fair share of pregnancy woes, including PUPPPs rash. In other words, I'm no wimp. But never in my life, and I mean NEVER, have I been this miserable. There was absolutely no relief from the nausea and vomiting. Everyday tasks, like showering and eating, became difficult and draining.

Then, in the midst of my misery, Wesley got pneumonia, Carly caught a stomach virus from school, and then Wesley caught the stomach virus from Carly. One morning Wes and I had a bonding experience. We knelt side by side, our heads hovered over the toilet, taking turns heaving and purging. It was a special moment between mother and son that I hope to one day forget.

The weeks slowly passed on, school ended, and summer floated by on a breeze. Now, 14 weeks later, I am finally feeling human again and getting excited about the little bumps and kicks I feel flutter inside.

I know it's been a long absence, but I'm finally back and I'm doing well. Healthy, happy, and pregnant with a little girl!