My Pregnancy: Week 23!

So, here we are....Week 23! This past week was wonderful. Over the weekend Abby made a debut in Allentown. We had a great time with friends and family! She definitely is making her presence known. She moves so so much, and I am sporting quite a bump now.


This week Abby will be getting some of her body fat and maybe some of Kevin's chin. This will make her skin less saggy and transparent, unlike right now since you can see her bones and blood vessels. So right now she is a little over a pound, but she will double that by the end of this month. And I will be gaining more too. Yay. But she is also developing her sense of movement. So she is aware when I move and all the moving she is doing. Also, her sense of hearing is sharpening this month. My new symptom is heartburn. Everyday. For the past five days. My hips and lower back are constantly hurting too, but I'm showing a lot now and I love that. And I learned that dancing aggravates Abby, especially after 10 pm. She has done this new thing where I think she's kicking my stomach and making me almost as nauseated as watching Kevin eat a rotisserie chicken. But again so worth it. I'm just looking forward to meeting her! Now, for Kevin's Korner....

Captain's log: For all of the joy and wonderment that Abby is going to bring into our lives, she's also going to limit many things we currently do. Sleep through the night, listen to expletive ridden rap music (Ashley's "feel good" music), leave the house without checking we have everything, and verbally abuse one another are all examples of things that will have to either stop or severely limit ourselves.

My Pregnancy: Week 22!

Greetings to all the Abby fans out there and welcome to the 22nd installment of "Happily Hormonal"! It's really sinking in for Kevin and I that Abby will be with us in such a short amount of time. We just did our first registry, and can I tell you how overwhelming it is! Still exciting, but we have a lot to do before August.

Well in the world of Abby J (also known as my uterus) the focus is on her pancreas. This is one of the main organs forming this week, due to the much needed hormones it produces. Also, eyelids are completing their growth and definition from last week, and although her eyes are fully formed now, they still lack pigment. She can hear a lot now. Mostly, it will be my heart beating, the swooshing of circulating blood, and if I ever gave it the chance, my stomach rumbling. But like I said last week....I eat a lot. Her brain is developing along with her nerve endings. So she may even be experimenting with her sense of touch!

Everything has stayed the same for me, but as I said earlier, we are in the go mode now of getting ready for our little girl. We will be moving at the beginning of next month, and I'm so excited to work on her room. I cannot wait to see all my friends and family in Florida next month either!

Well now that I have had my say, here is Kevin with his allotted 50 words or less:

Kev's fun fact: Last night I scared Ashley. What I thought was just going to be a quick little gasp and then a slap to the chest turned into the crisis of the month. Through tears she kept yelling "Stop laughing!!" but for some reason, I just couldn't stop. Thankfully, she realized that those obnoxious hormones running through her body had gotten the best of her emotions. After about five minutes she calmed down and climbed into bed (instead of doing the dishes). It was a very intense experience. And the dishes still aren't done. How about that for 50 characters!?

My Pregnancy: Week 21!

Hello everyone! So sorry this weeks is late,but we have been slammed with work and other really really important stuff :). So, most of you know that we found out that we are having a girl!!! Little Abigail Jasmine Kuhl, Abby J, jazzy Ab or whatever other terms of endearment you choose. At any rate, Kevin and I are so beyond thrilled to have Abby joining us in around 4 months!

Abby is growing and getting stronger every day. She is now at just around 12 oz and she is developing taste buds, which she can start using now. It's rather weird, but in order to taste what I'm serving, she eats a little of the amniotic fluid...according to one of my resources. This she does everyday for her hydration, and to develop her ability to digest. Her eyebrows are present and her eyelids are distinguishable too. This week her little vajaja is developed as well.

As it seems, no new symptoms have arisen yet, but if you can count a raging appetite as a symptom, then that has come in full force. My belly is finally getting too big for me to sleep on my stomach, which is making it very hard to get much rest at one time. As of lately I have been able to feel Abby moving around, but it's always been a soft swooping feeling. On Saturday, Kevin and I were driving, and she either punched me or kicked me..hard. It didn't hurt, it was just so forceful. She did a few more times, but I haven't been lucky enough to receive more judo yet. Fingers crossed!

Sorry again for the late post..if someone has to be blamed, it's Kevin's fault:)

Kevin's fun fact: As much as I hope for our baby girl to want to emulate Ashley in every way, I'm kind of hoping that she doesn't pick up on a few of her mom's idiosyncrasies, such as her INTENSE desire to peel dead skin from my hands, the overwhelming speed in which she speaks, and I could go without the whole sleepwalking thing. In conclusion, I love you Ashley.

My Pregnancy: Week 20!

Four days.....only four days till we find out if this little bugger is a girl or boy! We will be posting what he/she is on Thursday after the appointment, so make sure you placed your bets! Without further delay, welcome to our halftime show. Week 20 is such a tremendous checkpoint! It is so nice to think that the harder part is over, and for the first time in my life it's going to be ok to get fat! Kevin keeps slapping my hand every time I reach for an extra slice of cake though.

This week with the baby could be going one of two ways. If it is a girl, the ovaries and uterus are formed along with around 7 million eggs! Now, if Exhibit A is a fella, his little testes are making their way down to his scrotum. Hopefully they make it. Either way the baby is at about 10 ounces on average (about the length of a banana). There is still plenty of room inside me, making it a little harder to feel its movements. Although, I feel it about 5 times a day. Also, little bambino is producing a substance called meconium. This is a by product of digestion. It will hangout in the intestine until the first bowel movement, after birth, which has been reserved for Kevin to take care of. I figure I will have done my part to earn the exemption.

My symptoms include the same as I have been reporting. My appetite is back in full force, probably making Kevin a little nervous (again with the cake) :). I have found myself worrying a bit if I don't feel the baby move as much as I think I should. I need to keep myself in check though. I am capable of letting my mind wander and being needlessly worrisome. I think this is a family trait I was destined to have.

Welp, be in tune on Thursday for the most exciting news, next to the birth! Over and out ;)

Kevin's fun fact: Maternity clothes are expensive. Maternity clothes on clearance are still expensive. Slighty worn Mu-mus from Goodwill are cheap. We have a winner.

My Pregnancy: Week 19!

The countdown has begun! Only 10 days until we find out if we are
going to be blessed with a little boy or a baby girl! Although the
majority of people are predicting that I am having a girl, Kevin and I
still have an overwhelming feeling that a boy is on the way. I guess
time will tell! But not to get ahead of myself, welcome to week 19!
Almost half way through!!

This week, little Exhibit A is developing a layer of goo called vernix
caseosa. Imagine staring at a mango covered in cheese (not my
analogy). How gross is
that?? The function of this white, greasy goop is actually pretty
interesting. It covers the baby's skin, keeping the amniotic fluid
from touching it. The closer that we get to the due date the more the
vernix sheds, although some actually is still present on the baby's
body at birth.

Symptoms are the same with me, except for the fact that my headaches
are becoming more frequent and intense. Also, exhibit A has been
practicing judo like a mad man/crazy woman. The movements are so much
more apparent now. It is such an incredible feeling and makes
everything seem more realistic than it ever was before.

Thanks for reading everyone and stay tuned for the future installments
of "I'm Pregnant and I know it"

Kevin's fact: Ashley and I are so incredibly blessed. Between our friends and family, we have the most loving, caring and generous people that are showering us with nothing but support. Your love is the foundation on which we will build the life of our beautiful baby. Thank you all.

My Pregnancy: Week 18!

Welcome to week 18! Every day is getting us closer to finding out if we are growing a boy or girl...and as I have said before, I'm dying to find out! The general consensus from the peanut gallery seems to be girl. So I guess we will see:)

So! What does week 18 hold for exhibit A, you ask? This week is the week that the activity bumps up. Last week, I read that although the baby has been moving around the entire time, this week is when I will actually be able to feel the movements. Obviously that had my hopes up, but low and behold on Sunday, my birthday, I felt the first official movements! It was one of the coolest things I have ever felt! And today, our little Olympian has been rolling around all over the place. The baby is also developing its yawning and hiccuping skills, along with finger and toe prints.


With me, not too much has changed. Just the same ol' headaches and lower back pain. But I heard something interesting. As most people know pregnant women's feet can grow and stay bigger after each pregnancy. The reason for this is a hormone named relaxin that is released in the body. It helps relax the tendons and ligaments in the pelvic area and feet. This separates the bones in the feet making more surface area....I'm going to resemble a clown...or a weeble wobble. So sad!!

Well, until next week my friends....

Kevin's fun Fact: Let's do some simple math this time...
Pregnant women's increased water intake + baby applying pressure to bladder +
my comedic genius = Pee pants

My Pregnancy: Week 17

Hello, hello, hello, and welcome to week 17! I can't believe that I am getting so close to half way! And in three weeks we find out if we are having a boy or a girl....this is when it is really going to drag....I hate not knowing!!!

This week is especially Kuhl for the baby (get it?). The heartbeat, which is beating at twice my rate, is finally being regulated by the brain, instead of the random heartbeats that have been happening. The baby is about the size of my palm now, weighing in at around 5 ounces, and is learning it's reflexive skill of swallowing. Also, baby fat is beginning to develop. Hopefully it will be taken from my newly acquired stash.

Not much has changed this much for me. Still having the headaches and backaches, but Im working on ways to relieve it. It's exciting though, I've noticed my bump for a while now, but that's because it's my body. Now, everyone at work is noticing that I'm showing, which I love. I realize that this is a bit dry this week, but things are about to get very exciting! Until next time......Seacrest out!!

Kevin's fun fact: I wear v-necks because it accentuates my face shape.
Kevin's fun baby fact: Men are the only gender that possess both X and Y chromosomes, meaning that I determine the sex of the baby. And she thinks she's in control.....

My Pregnancy: Week 16!

Hello all! So sorry for missing the blog last week, but I was fortunate enough to take a quick trip home. Although I know that every single one of you check this website hundreds of times every Monday for the update, I was "scolded" by Jessi and her roommates for not posting last week, so Ladies, this one is for you.

Welcome to week 16! The baby actually can be anywhere from 2 to 3 ounces and about 5 inches long. This week is an exciting one as well, because the ear bones have formed enough for it to be able to hear sounds (Kevin's oh so funny knock knock jokes for instance). Some of the facial muscles have formed enabling our little one to frown and squint. Also, even though the eyelids are still sealed shut, the eyes are able to perceive light. We had a check up today, and the baby is in perfect condition. Strong heartbeat, normal measurements, and on track to be an Olympian. That last one is only a well calculated guess.

On my end of everything, I can say that my morning sickness is gone, but it has been replaced with migraines (See: Kevin's knock knock jokes). I never really had them before, so it is just another adventure that I'd prefer not to embark on. Also, my skin is super dry, partly thanks to this northern chill. I am proud to say, that all though I feel a little bigger, I have maintained my weight. Probably the best news I heard today:)

You stay classy San Diego!

Kevin fun fact: Apparently, many women's feet grow through pregnancy because of the added strain. Right now she is at a 9. I wear a 14. My money is on her splitting the difference at 11.5. Bets anyone??

My Pregnancy: Week 14

Happy Presidents Day! We have just begun week 14. These next couple weeks are "supposedly" the more quiet ones during the pregnancy. The next big week is 20. So many exciting things happen then..the biggest is that we get to find out what the gender is! So, only a month and a half till then! I am getting so antsy!!

The development of our little Exhibit A is definitely exciting. This week the roof of the mouth will be forming along with little hairs all over the body. These hairs serve as insulation until the baby's fat shows up. When it does, the hair is usually shed....if not, Kevin will be assigned baby shaving duty. The movement of the baby typically at this stage changes from sharp jerky movements to smooth and fluid like motions, but I think the baby already had that down when we had the ultrasound. The baby is a quick learner.

As for me, I feel great! I'm not near as tired, and I can eat most things. As I said last week, the pressure is growing in my stomach...and I can't button my jeans anymore. I'm trying to hold off on maternity clothes, and with some good advice from others I have learned to rubber band my button :)

Kevin's fun fact: Ashley sleepwalks and has "active dreams". She woke me up once saying "Kevin, say hi to the boy in the corner.". Long story short, she is the creepiest Preggo EVER.

My Pregnancy: Week 13

Hello all! Welcome to week thirteen, the beginning of the second trimester! I'm so glad to have the morning sickness out of the way.

Well, Exhibit A is really stating to come along. The average baby is about the size of a peach by now. The intestines are moving from the umbilical cord into the abdomen. Bones are beginning to form as well, so it is a good thing that I am taking calcium pills! The vocal chords are also developing. We are hoping for a Vin Diesel type voice, boy or girl.

My body is changing quickly too. As I said earlier, the bulk of the nausea is gone, but they have been replaced with headaches. With the bad there is always good...I'm beginning to show finially. It's still small, but a definite bump is beginning to show. I actually feel pregnant now. At work, it is the most obvious to me as little ones try to sit on my lap. Stay tuned for the the next blog, coming on Monday. It won't be late next time:)

Kevin's bizarre baby fact of the week:
The worlds longest pregnancy was 376 day, as opposed to the average pregnancy which usually last about 280 days. The baby was only 7 pounds.

My Pregnancy: Week 12

Today was the most exciting day that we have experienced since we found out we were pregnant. We had our first ultrasound! Seeing our little exhibit A was the most overwhelming feeling! It was so funny to watch him squirm and dance all over as we watched him. I didn't realize how much the little one moves already, but he didn't sit still once. It may be an omen of what's to come, which Kevin and I are both completely ecstatic about.

Along with it's aerobic regiment, little baby is super busy growing. The intestines are growing and the kidneys are beginning to excrete urine into the bladder already. The eyes are moving to the front of the face instead of the sides where they once were. Also the brain is developing quickly. Last week, we thought the baby was about 2 inches, but actually today we found out Exhibit A is just over 5 cm. Also, we were right on track with how far along we are! Little one and I have known each other for exactly 12 weeks today! We will be welcoming baby Kuhl on August 19. That is of course, if little Kuhl agrees.

Thankfully, my morning sickness is almost history. Some food still messes with me. Turkey, sausage and bacon, I'm afraid, may always be enemies. I can't begin to tell you how tired I have become. This weekend I got around 12 hours of sleep every night. Never knew I could be so tired!
That's it for this week. Enjoy the pic of the baby!

My Pregnancy: Week 11

Hello everyone! I felt that blogging about my pregnancy would be the most efficient way to keep everyone in the loop. I will be updating every week and after each appointment. Until we find out the gender of our little Kuhl, Kevin likes that we refer to it as exhibit A.

So this is week 11. My little baby is almost 2 inches long, and believe it or not, exhibit A has begun to grow hair, and little teeth buds are forming in its gums. It no longer has webbed feet and hands. The fingers and toes have finally taken shape. The ears are formed and Exhibit A has nipples. :) It is finally resembling a human.

My progress has pretty much been the same since I found out I was pregnant. I sleep so much more than I ever thought possible. I have morning sickness all day long, but I am able to eat more of a variety sometimes. I think i have less than a month and I will be free from morning sickness. Apparently, I have begun snoring, and I am so going to blame that on the pregnancy. I can't tell if I have a bit of a bump, or if it is fat:) but on the 6th of February we will be having our first appointment. We will find out then exactly how far along I am and hear the heartbeat. Stay tuned for the next installment on the 6th!