JARRED AND I MET IN NOVEMBER 2002 WHEN JARRED JUST MOVED TO OC FROM LA. ONE "GIRLS NIGHT OUT" TURNED INTO “GIRLS NIGHT OUT + JARRED” (lucky for him). UNEXPECTEDLY, WE WERE ATTACHED THE REST OF THE EVENING. I KNEW FROM THAT FIRST NIGHT HE WAS THE ONE! AFTER OUR FIRST DATE 2 WEEKS LATER, WE HAVE BEEN INSEPARABLE. NOW MARRIED WITH 2 BEAUTIFUL KIDS, WE ARE ENJOYING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN OUR LIVES.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

My Pregnancy Experience

first trimester
I did not experience any morning sickness other than a few minor dizzy spells and feeling fatigued. HI MOMENTS: Other than sharing the news with our family and friends, the thought of starting a family together has been a surreal experience for us. LOW MOMENTS: It was hard not to share the good news for the first 12 weeks. It was an adjustment to eliminate alcohol, modify my diet, modify my caffeine intake, and have my body go through changes for the first time.

second trimester
Wow! It’s true when they say that this is the best stage of your pregnancy. I sported a cute bump and finally looked pregnant. I no longer had to hold my tummy to make it apparent I was pregnant and not look like I just had a “cheeseburger the night before”. I took full advantage of “maternity fashion” and made all efforts to look as cute as possible. And I still sported heals! I took my maternity photos this trimester (6 ½ months). I was feeling cute and sexy during the photo shoot and then reality hit me…….. I finally noticed the “L-B’s” on my photo proofs…..oooo, not so cute. But as long as the baby is healthy in the belly I am happy.

third trimester
Okay….. so the novelty has worn off. I’m not ready for the baby to come out just yet, but I am feeling wobbly these days. I have shortness of breath, can barely sleep and feeling more tired again. The baby doesn’t kick anymore….the baby just does gymnastics in my belly now! Most of the time, I’ll find the baby on my right side and my belly will look lopsided. And now I am getting labor nerves… yikes!

common questions I get asked-
ANY CRAVINGS? No cravings. I am surprised I haven’t had any special late night requests with my healthy appetite. Lucky Jarred.

MOOD SWINGS? I’ve stayed even-tempered. But this is a question for Jarred.

HAVE I CHANGED MY VIEWS IN CAREER AND HAVING MORE CHILDREN? If all pregnancies could be like what I’ve experienced so far, I would say “yes” to having more children. But as of now, Jarred and I are happy with one child but are open to the idea of more maybe down the road. Let’s take care of the first one first! I am savoring every moment of my pregnancy and although I am enjoying my maternity activities (baby shopping and prenatal yoga), I plan on having a career the same time I am a mother. I will ADMIT that I have changed my views regarding the “maternity society”. I enjoy being around pregnant women and women who have already been through their first child. I am starting to drive my single friends crazy with my baby talk! And to think I was in their shoes not too long ago.

My advice so far for my friends that are going into their first pregnancy:
“Use your best judgment and do what’s best for you and your partner”

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cheryl and Jarred,

We are sooo happy for you both. This blog is very neat and you did an amazing job. I am sooo impressed:-)Your baby is so lucky to have you both as parents. We can't wait to meet your gift from God.
We love you,
The Jenike Family

Miriam & Danny said...

You two are an amazing couple and I am thrilled that I have been able to experience this chapter in your lives!

Can't wait to spoil the baby!!!

Miriam

Anonymous said...

Cheryl, This blogsite is brilliant--and a fantastic way to share your thoughts with your people. WOW! You are more computer savvy that I am for sure. Congratulations on the smooth and delightful pregnancy this far. I look forward to meeting your sweet baby and watching you become a "mommy." All the best to you doll. Michelle Scheiblum