Expecting the unexpected!

How exciting to go to doctor's appt number 2 thinking we were 11 1/2 weeks along, only to be told 13 weeks! One of the two nurses couldn't count as well as the other, apparently, but when it's a question of being past the "magical" 12 week mark, I like the math from the second nurse better. Call me selective ... or fickle. Your choice. The morning sickness is still coming - it'll be really bad for a few days, and then drop off for a few. I never know if it's actually gone or just on hiatus. Here's hoping that it'll start to taper off!

The other exciting part was that we got to hear the heartbeat this week. Considering that up until now, the only ways I knew I was pregnant were a.) the little stick with the two lines on it said so and b.) the morning sickness, it's really neat to hear that affirmation!

I have been feeling much more excited than nervous about being a parent than I thought I would, so praise the Lord for that. I do want to be a good mom, of course, but I don't find myself obsessed with doing everything exactly right, knowing everything there is to know or being stressed about what I don't know. I put together a list and sent it to my mommy friends, and am open to any feedback you have!

1. What did you find stressful during your pregnancy that, in the long run, didn't turn out to be quite such a big deal in the end? What should you have spent more time/focused on more?
2. What was an item you thought you absolutely had to have ... but didn't use all that much. What did you wind up using the most?
3. Were there any items that you found it really was worth putting some extra money into?
4. Were there any books, classes or advice that you found particularly helpful?
5. Best, worst and/or most surprising parts about being pregnant
6. Hardest and best parts about being a new mom
7. Favorite piece of "Mommy Advice" either from your own experience or that was given to you

Nicole was gracious enough to come down for the weekend and help me consolidate the guest room into the craft room, so we now have a room that is ready for nursery furniture! I don't think we'll paint until we find out the gender, but that gives me some time to do a little brainstorming. I'm thinking a stylized nautical theme for a boy, with fabrics in blue seersucker, and red gingham or seersucker for a girl, with yellow flower and green leaf accents. Maybe a ladybug here or there, too :)

The best is yet to come!