Now there's a belly! 20 weeks...

This is me in front of our Christmas Tree at home. I've officially made it to 20 weeks and it really does feel great to say that! Still sick ... yes, but it's really not as bad as it has been in the past. I have to be careful what I eat and make sure I don't move to quickly and I do feel better. Recently I've gotten back into Pilates and I really do like being more active. It's hard to motivate myself to get there (especially when it's 3 degrees outside - literally) but once I'm there I do enjoy it. It's amazing how much my body is changing. Everything still looks exactly the same (minus the big belly) but I just feel so different. Sleeping is a joke. Between going to the bathroom more now than in my first trimester and not being able to get comfortable - I don't sleep much. I think little Beckton is preparing me for what's to come! Just moving around has become more difficult. It's hard for me to "run" errands, sit for long periods of time in the same position, get up quickly, take the stairs etc. Honestly though, I love it. The only thing that's been hard has been the sickness. The rest of the symptoms I get excited about. The other thing that's really changed is how people approach me now. They stare at my belly and instead of dancing around the subject (just in case I'm not really pregnant) they come right out and say "When are you due?" That is my absolute favorite! It's like you go around knowing your little secret for so long and hoping others will notice and then one day ... everyone notices! It's really lots of fun.


Beckton is still doing well - as far as I can tell. He's moving around a lot and getting excited for the holidays. Ok, maybe that's just me! This week I'll be busy wrapping gifts and spending time with friends and family. The best part? I get a real Christmas break again! I'll be off of work from Dec. 22 - Jan. 5!!!! It's going to be great and I'm going to do everything in my power to make it last!

Katie at 19 weeks (Happy Holidays!)

Here is my growing belly at 19 weeks. Luckily the rest of me isn't growing as fast! I still fit into most of my clothes which makes me very happy! I don't have much new to report ... just getting ready for the Holidays and trying at all costs to avoid throwing up while shopping, cooking, and wrapping gifts! Little Beckton is moving around a lot! I can feel him and I even saw him move around (ever so slightly) once. I looked down and my shirt moved! It was the neatest thing. He is currently about the size of a banana and according to the books he can hear Mom and Dad talking! Scott is much more in tune to what's going on and is always feeling my stomach so he can try and feel the baby. He won't be able to feel the movement for a few more weeks but it's very sweet that he tries! Next week is our 20 week appointment and then all the family comes to town for Christmas! I definitely feel more excited this Christmas than I have in a very long time. All of the songs I hear seem to mean so much more now ... and I think Beckton can hear the songs too!

Katie at 18 weeks (all kinds of stuff happening!)

Here is a side view of my belly at 18 weeks. I opted for my photographer/co-worker Alyson not to include my face as I am still pretty sick and I look like I just crawled out of a cave. I've had a sinus infection for over a week that will not go away and despite my many efforts to tell myself that my morning/constant sickness was starting to subside ... throwing up in my kitchen sink is still a weekly routine.

Much has happened since week 17 ... the biggest news is that we had our ultrasound. I wasn't really that anxious until we were sitting in that waiting room. I swear we sat there for 3 hours (though it was only 30 minutes). As soon as the tech turned on the monitor we immediately saw the baby! It was really so cool! The head looked so big and I just tried to lay there and relax. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen for 2 seconds. It made everything so real to both of us. The tech did the measurements and then tried to find out if we had a blue or a pink bun in the oven but the baby wouldn't cooperate! We saw lots of kicking and movement but the legs were tucked into the chest so the tech had to poke around to get the baby to move. She kept saying "C'mon little one, show us". I didn't really feel the movement but Scott and I could both see everything very clearly. we could almost count the toes and fingers! Finally the little one rotated and the tech said "Oh yeah, that's a boy". Then I looked away from the screen just to see Scott's face. We were both excited! I kept asking if she was sure it was a boy and she said she would be shocked if he came out a girl! She gave us the first pictures of our son (so cool to say that) and we were on our way! We went straight to the hospital to tell my Mom in person. When we walked into the OR unit she had her back to us and I just laid the pictures down on the table in front of her. She turned around and said "I kept wondering why you hadn't called me yet!" Then she said "Well? What is it?" and I said "Just look through the pictures, you'll be able to see on the last one!" She said What? You're not going to tell me? I have to wait?!!" It was so fun to be able to tell her in person. When she got to the last picture I said meet your grandson ... Beckton James Kenney!

Here he is! His very first picture. Below you can see his profile (forehead, nose, mouth).

Below is a picture of his little feet.

This one is a little harder to see .. but it shows that he really is a "he"! This is a picture of his bottom and you can see one leg at the top of the picture, the other leg is curled up (can't see). In the middle is a little something...
So we had an ultrasound, we're having a baby boy, his name is Beckton James and I'm finally feeling him move! Friday December 5th I was just dozing off when I felt the tiniest little thud. Then a few moments later .. another one. I finally feel him moving around in there and it is pretty darn cool. The movements are tiny but I can certainly tell that it's him and it makes me happy.

Katie at 17 weeks! (I gained 1 pound!)

Here I am at 17 weeks. I forgot to take a picture at 16 weeks so hopefully I look a little bit bigger than week 15! Things are going well ... the medication for naseua is working! I still have my moments of feeling not so great but I'm hoping to get better. Today (Tuesday 11/25) Scott and I had our 17 week appointment! It was great! The doctor let us both listen to the heartbeat and we heard it right away. It was very strong and it made Scott and I smile. Then we found out that I had gained 1 whole pound! That's better than nothing so I am excited. The doctor also mentioned that all my tests were normal and everything looked and sounded great for 17 weeks. It was a very reassuring appointment! The best news? We get to do our first ultrasound even earlier than expected ... next week!

I also started buying the decor for the baby room (neutral for a girl or boy) and so that's getting me really excited as well!



This is the first official picture that I've taken of the bare belly!

Katie at 15 weeks (The camera adds 10 pounds!)

Somehow amidst being sick and not gaining any weight, I look like I've gained weight! I've convinced myself that it's the sweater and not me ... I think I'll be saying that for the next 5 months! This week the baby is about the size of an apple and maybe that's why I like applesauce so much! It seems to be one of the only things I can keep down on a regular basis. So I probably answered any lingering questions about am I still sick. Unfortunately, yes. My poor Mom was sick all 9 months with my sister and I both so I think I'm in for the long haul. Thanks Mom!

This week I bought myself some maternity pants and I love them! They are super comfy and surprisingly cute. No one can even tell at work except when I show them and then everyone laughs. This weekend I also went to my third baby shower during my pregnancy. The first shower was back in September for my friend Jen (although I didn't know I was pregnant at the time I sure was interested in all the gifts!) The second shower I hosted for my friend Rachel also in September, that one was lots of fun. The third was for my friend Katie and it really put me in a good mood. I've been so sick lately that it's been hard to feel upbeat but Saturday was just great.
Last but certainly not least, Scott told me that I look great and the only thing growing is my belly and my butt. What???? My butt is not growing! Not yet anyway! Wow, he's dead!

Katie at 14 weeks (sick but wanting ice cream and pickles)

Well, big shock ... I'm still sick. I just keep hoping that it will go away and I can have that blissful second trimester that I keep reading about, but so far I'm just sick. I'm definitely starting to show; those at work that know I'm pregnant often comment on my little belly, which I think is exciting. I'm still not into maternity clothes yet but my Mom bought me my first super cute maternity shirt and I cannot wait to wear it! There's really not much new happening, Scott and I are just trying to keep things under control with the house, the dogs, work, his school and of course me being miserable most of the time. The other night I did venture out of the house for dinner with Scott, Ryan and Marisa and when the server took my order I asked for a milkshake and a hamburger with extra pickles and pickles on the side. She kinda looked at me and said "ice cream and pickles?" I thought that craving was an old wives tale but apparently it's true! This week, I also set aside some time to clean out the baby room which is a complete disaster. It was becoming quite embarrassing when people said "which room will be the baby room?" and when we showed them we couldn't even open the door all the way. So, I'm officially in organization mode (when I'm not throwing up).

Katie at 13 weeks

Here I am at the end of my 13th week! It's so neat to see the difference from week to week. Most people can't tell a difference but these pictures certainly help! Despite being sicker than ever this week I am excited to enter my second trimester. I've been thinking a lot about the baby room such as colors and decorations ... that keeps my spirits way up when I'm feeling bad.

Can you tell that I'm not feeling particularly well by my expression?!

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who has wished us well during the pregnancy! We've received many cards, gifts, e-mails, phone calls, get well wishes etc. Thank you everyone ...

I'd especially like to thank my amazing husband who has unfortunately had to assume the role of Mr. Mom. Lately, I've been so sick that he's had to take care of everything from bathing the dogs, to cooking, cleaning, yardwork and dealing with my misery. Add that to being a full-time employee and student and I'm lucky he hasn't thrown his hands up and said "screw this!" I feel blessed to have married him and I only hope that I will feel better soon and be able to help!

My other BIG thank you goes to my Mom (who in my opinion and my sisters) is probably the best Mom ever. Not only does she give super advice, she often shares my old baby items so that I can reminisce and try to incorporate into the nursery (such as my old receiving blankets, my hospital bracelets etc.), she also brings by food and has Scott and I over often, makes special shopping trips for me, and lately she's even helped clean my house!

I'm officially at week 13 but this week is tougher than ever. I'm really sick, stressed out and completely overwhelmed. At my doctors appointment today - The doctor and I discussed how I still have not gained one single pound, how it's strange to be sick now worse than ever, and how if I don't chill out my stress and health could affect the baby (so she has me off work for 3 days). The Good news - I was able to hear the heartbeat, she says the baby is growing at a normal rate and I got a prescription for sickness. So here's to my second trimester - in hopes that it's a good one!

Katie at 12 Weeks -

Now I look a little more like a pregnant girl! I really think that's the baby and not the bloat! From what I've read the baby is a little larger than the size of a lime this week! I'm still sick unfortunately but the books say being sick is generally a good sign so I'm powering through. Looking forward to my doctor appointment next week as I'll almost be in my second trimester!

Just a fun fall picture ...

Katie at 11 weeks

Nothing much new. Still sick and hoping it ends soon! I'm getting excited for week 12! There are tons of pregnant women - friends, family and co-workers and a few of them are about to have thier babies! It's really neat to watch them and know soon it will be my turn!

--

Is it me or does my stomach look smaller than week 10?

Katie at 10 weeks

Why I didn't start taking pictures from the beginning I'm not sure! Not much has happened in my mid-section - except a little thickening that only Scott and I can tell. Up to this point I've had all the symptoms. Some women say they have none and some get them all! It’s pretty much been constant nausea, gagging, and throwing up since week 6. Exhaustion – doesn't bother me except during work. I've recently been forced to sleep in my car at lunch! I've got the headaches and vivid dreams like crazy. Food aversions – lately I’m not to keen on chicken, turkey or anything Mexican. Food cravings – so far only peanut butter and jelly with pickles, fried chicken, fruit pizza, mustard and chocolate. Mood swings – these don’t really bother me but I don’t think Scott is a fan of them. The other day in Kroger I saw a posting about a lost dog and I was cyring as people looked on confused at the crazy woman crying at a cork board. Heightened sense of smell – This one is not a favorite.
I have just about every symptom possible, but minus the nausea I'm not complaining!

---

Here I am at 10 weeks - not much change except my auburn hair!

Let's tell everyone forget waiting until 12 weeks!

So I'm pregnant! We're having a baby! It's so exciting! There are so many emotions and feelings and I know this is just the beginning but I think it's going to be great! Since we had taken our tests and gotten the official word from the Doctor we decided we couldn't wait a an hour to tell our parents and closest friends, let alone wait until the 12 week mark! The first person to learn the news was my Mom. We knocked on her door (luckily she was home) when she answered she saw Scott and I was holding Lily who was wearing a baby bib that I had made minutes before our announcement. The bib read "Little sis now, big sis in 9 months". Mom read the bib and said "Does that mean what I think it means?" and we said yes! We stayed a while and filled her in on all the details as even she didn't know we were trying! As we were leaving I tried to call my Dad and Jeanne but they didn't answer and I wanted to be sure to tell them in person, so I watied. Then it was off to Ryan and Maria's house to meet before our weekly volleyball game. This time we let Winston in on the fun. I made him a T-shirt that said "Big Brother again in 9 months". We put it on him (he really didn't seem to mind) and let him run full speed into Ryan and Marisa's house. Everyone got it right away and was shocked and super excited! After volleyball we headed to Scott's parents house. Winston got to tell them as well. They couldn't believe it! Marilyn cried and hugged us and we all shared some delicious apple pie. That night, I uploaded the picture of Lily and I and e-mailed it to my sister as I called her at the same time. She totally didn't get it at first! I kept emphasizing the 9 months part and she finally caught on! The next day I was able to talk to my Dad and I told him that he was going to have another grandchild soon. To that he replied "You're getting another dog?" Not a dog, I said ... and then he caught on as well! Over the next few days I was either calling friends and family or sending out the picture of Lily with her adorable bib. It was so fun to hear people's reactions!

Little sis now ... big sis in 9 months

Katie, Scott, Winston & a new family member!

August 2008 was going to be a big month for us, though we didn't know it yet. After a going away party for our friends in Columbus we decided that we should stop by and "look" at a breeder that happened to have golden doodle puppies; just like Winston. I've come to find out that you can't go and look at a puppy. It's not possible. If you're looking, you're buying. We welcomed Lily into our family and we had a full house! We had Lily for 2 days when we decided to take a pregnancy test...
---

Lily

But here's the full story. Truth be told, Scott and I had started "trying" back in December of 2007. Unfortunately, we didn't have much luck. For some reason I just knew that it would take us a while so we decided to keep it a secret from everyone. It was tough but also exciting as it was something that only Scott and I could share. Every month we would think - this is it! But the tests just kept coming back negative. A few doctor appointments and months of jumping through hoops and we were finally on track. During the month of August (before we got Lily) as I look back I realized that I really should have known...

My first clue: hunger!
One night in August Scott made us a big healthy dinner. Fresh cut watermelon, huge salads with vegetables from our garden, and appetizers. After dinner we headed to the couch for an evening of our favorite television. --About 15 minutes in-- I suddenly looked up at Scott and asked if we had any fried chicken.
He simply replied - "Of course not, we never have fried chicken, why do you ask?" Me - "I'm hungry for some fried chicken and I don't understand why we don't have any." Him - "How could you possibly be hungry after the huge dinner we just ate? Just relax." Me - "Fine. Whatever." --20 minutes later-- Me - "I'm going to McDonald's do you want anything?" Him - "Wow, are you serious? No I don't want anything." --10 minutes later-- I returned with chicken nuggets, fries, and coke. I ate my meal happily on the couch and fell sound asleep directly after.

My second clue: Irritability
One day while I was napping on the couch Winston jumped up and woke me up. Instead of cuddling with him, I started crying hysterically for absolutely no reason.

My third clue: Postive!
On Monday August 25, 2008 Scott and I met at home for lunch. He didn't come empty-handed but instead with 2 pregnancy tests. He said that since I was late and we were both noticing changes he couldn't wait any longer and I had to take the test right then and there! Reluctantly I did. I hated that test because I always failed and it was so depressing but something about this time was different - he bought the tests not me. So I take the test I look at it and I only see one line. Not at all suprised I tell him it's negative. He wants to see the test and as he is looking at it he says "Maybe you didn't wait long enough." "Well, I'm getting pretty good at these I think I've waited long enough" I said as I look down at the stick and see the faintest second line anyone has ever seen. I say to him - "Do you see that?" He says "Yeah, I see a second line but it's so faint - has it ever looked like that before?" "I don't know!" I scream as I take the test outside to see if I can tell better in daylight. "I think you're pregnant" Scott says, take another test. "I can't, I don't have to pee" I say as I beging to chug water. A few minutes later I take another test and the same thing happens. So, like two teenagers I call the number on the back of the pregnancy test box. I'll never forget that recording - "two lines no matter how faint the second line indicates a positive pregnancy". We both went nuts. We didn't believe it and so I scheduled an appointment with my doctor that day to do a blood test and make sure. Luckily they saw me and confirmed that indeed I was pregnant but that it was early so that probably caused the faint line! They asked me to make sure that I re-tested a few days later and this time there was no mistaking that second line! I finally aced that test that I had been failing for months!We are over the moon about welcoming our new little one into our family in May of 2008!

---

It's impossible to see the second line in the first two unless you magnify but it really is there! Luckily the last test shows for sure!

Katie & Scott History - Part 3

Since getting married, Scott and I have been busy. We've both changed jobs ... Scott from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to a new career at LexisNexis. Me from Heidelberg Distributing to a new career at LexisNexis. Coincidence? We've traveled to many different places; most notably to Europe in the fall of 2007, where we visited Paris, London and Munich. We fell in love with the culture, the food, the architecture and we can't wait to go back! We bought a new car for Scott. Sounds like a minor thing, but if you've had the pleasure of riding in the Rodeo - you know why this is a big deal! We sold our very first home (our condo) and bought our very first house in the spring of 2008. We searched high and low for a place to call home (we actually went through 122 houses before we found our place!) Finally our realtor showed us number 123 and we fell in love and said "We'll take it!" We moved in to our brick ranch with it's huge backyard and all the features we had hoped for, at the very end of June with lots of help from our family and friends. Thank you!!! July 2008 was spent settling into our new home. We decorated, moved things around, and enjoyed many drinks out on our back porch.

---

Paris

Munich-Oktoberfest

London

Our second home

Katie & Scott History - Part 2

Engaged? Check. Place to live? Check. Dog? Check. Soon after getting engaged and moving into our condo, we bought our first dog! Winston our adorable Golden doodle became a member of our family in August of 2005. If you ask Scott who his favorite family member is, he usually says Winston and well, me too. It's a joke of course but we love him dearly. Amidst working, decorating our new home and training our new puppy, the rest of my time was spent planning our upcoming. We knew that we wanted to get married on May 27 because our dating anniversary was May 26. So the date was set and the rest of the details fell into place (some actually the day before the wedding!) Our wedding day was wonderful, like we had always dreamed. I think my favorite part was when Scott sent a gift to me before the wedding started; a note that he had written to me. It was just perfect. My other favorite part was our first dance. We just love our song and it was a great way to start the evening. As with every wedding ... things go wrong. We had our share of wedding mishaps but at the end of the day we had a flawless ceremony and we were married! We honeymooned in Jamaica, which was more than perfect and romantic. It's just a great place to visit after the chaos of wedding planning.

--

http://www.replaytheday.com/samples/assets/Highlights3.mov

(Our wedding video with sound)

--

Winston!

Our Wedding Day

Honeymoon in Jamaica

Katie & Scott History - Part 1

Scott and a I met in high school back in 1998! We started out as friends in the same circle but fate had other plans. Apparently Scott had a thing for me during our friendship but I was too blind to see. Finally at a friends party we decided to start dating in May of 1998. We dated throughout junior and senior year and enjoyed many fun times together like football games, weekend trips, summer vacations, Dave Matthews concerts, Nintendo, and spending time together and with our families. We continued our relationship throughout college at Miami University. It was here that we took walks, went to the gym, attended football games, went to countless parties, and spent almost all of our time together. During college we had our ups and downs but in our hearts we just knew we'd be together forever. After college careers and real life set-in and Scott and I decided that we were spending way too much time packing our things, driving to the other person's house and we wanted to move in together. So we went to open houses and finally found one we loved! We put an offer on a condo that would be our first home together in April of 2005. I remember thinking; is it strange to buy a house with someone when you're not even engaged or married?! Little did I know, Scott had that one covered. We wouldn't actually move in until June so we had some time to pack our things. Soon after, Scott decided it was time to make things official. He proposed on April 21, 2005 with a shaky hand, a big smile, and an absolutely beautiful engagement ring. Not surprisingly, I said yes as we both shared tears and enjoyed the moment. 2005 was a busy and pricey year for us!

Katie and Scott

Our condo (our first home)