Thank you to everyone who left such sweet and thoughtful comments on my last post. We are just over the moon about the baby and I cannot wait to share our journey with all of you! I was so touched by so many of you who told me that being a mom is the most incredible feeling in the world—I’ve always longed to be a mother and I cannot wait to feel that overwhelming sense of love for our child. I am also slowly working on responding to all of the beautiful emails and messages many of you sent—so thank you again for your patience, I promise I will respond soon!
After this post about trying to conceive, I am going to do a summary post that covers my entire first trimester and then I’ll do weekly updates from then on (starting this Wednesday with 14 Weeks).
My husband and I decided to start trying to conceive this September. During the month of August, I started to take prenatal vitamins and began to discontinue taking the prescription medications I was on (an antihistamine for my chronic hives and an antibiotic for my acne). By the time we were officially trying, I had been off all medications for just over two weeks. Since I went off the pill in January, my cycles have been between 36 and 37 days long, for reference.
At the time, I was also reading the popular book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, which I highly recommend to any woman who is trying to conceive or simply would like to know more about her body.
I had also purchased a Clear Blue Digital Ovulation Prediction Kit so that I could have a better idea of when I was about to ovulate to increase our chances of conceiving. Truthfully, one of my biggest fears has always been that I would not be able to get pregnant. I don’t know why I had that fear, but I think it’s because I have always wanted to be a mother so badly and I’m a chronic worrier that “things won’t work out.” I was the same way about our new house (thinking our buyer would fall through) and the same way about my new job (worried, for some reason, that they wouldn’t hire me after all.) So I wanted to educate myself about my body and give myself the best chance possible so I felt more empowered. I realize that for some, this may seem like overkill, but I really wanted to try to have my first child by the time I was 30. To each their own, I suppose 🙂
(I was pregnant in this photo—I had just found out a couple of days before it was taken!)
After reading TCOYF, I was much more aware of the physical signs that your body is about to ovulate. One day at work, I noticed some of the telltale signs and when I got home that evening, I used one of the Clear Blue ovulation prediction sticks and immediately got a smiley face (a positive read for an LH surge). It was the first time I had used the ovulation predictor because it was the first month we tried, so I never used more than that one stick, as I had missed the window to start testing at the time the packaging says to start. Instead, I tried to first recognize the signs in my body before actually testing to see if I was right about what my body was telling me—and that day, I was.
A couple of weeks after I got my positive read on the ovulation predictor, I started to experience PMS/pre-period-like symptoms. I had a lot of dull cramping that was quite frequent and my breasts were tender and sensitive. I truly thought my body was preparing for my period, but that was okay because I figured we had plenty of more months to try again. Of course I thought it would be incredible if I did get pregnant, but I was almost certain my body was just preparing for my period.
Then one morning, as I was about to step into the shower, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and noticed that (TMI alert!) my nipples looked a little darker in color. Though I had the cramping and tenderness, I still felt there was no way I was pregnant—but after seeing that change, I briefly entertained the idea since I had never noticed that particular “symptom” before I got my period.
I also started taking my temperatures for about two weeks after I got my positive ovulation predictor test, but really, charting is not effective unless you do it for your entire cycle. I was just doing it to see if I was seeing a consistently higher temperature. I did notice that my temperature seemed to stay on the higher end, but I didn’t really get my hopes up because I didn’t have a few months of charts to compare it to. I told myself I would chart consistently the next month.
I didn’t want to test too early, so I waited until one day before my missed period. I had purchased a Clear Blue Digital pregnancy test (I liked that it was a simple “pregnant” or “not pregnant” answer) and placed it on my bathroom counter to use the next morning.
My husband and I both got up to get ready for work and I told him “I’m going to test now.” He walked down the hall to use the other restroom and I went into our master bathroom to pee on the stick. As I sat there, holding the test in my hand, staring at the blank screen, my heart was beating harder and faster than I ever remember. Within about 20 seconds the screen went from blank, to the word “pregnant.” I was stunned. I ran out of the bathroom and yelled to my husband “oh my gosh it’s positive!” and he said “what do you mean, I was gone for less than 30 seconds, how is that possible!?” and I said “I don’t know it just turned positive really quickly.” And then we hugged and just took in the moment—admittedly, I was still in a state of shock. I drove to work that morning and was in a happy daze at what had happened at home.
(both of my pregnancy tests- it had been 24 hours so the screen on the first one went blank )
My husband, still amazed that the test was positive jokingly told me to take another one the next morning. So I did, and that one was positive too. The digital tests stay “on” for about 24 hours and I remember how surreal it felt to see those two screens say “pregnant” every time I saw them on my counter.
So, there’s the story of how we found out! We feel incredibly fortunate for this amazing blessing and could not be happier.
(my very first ultrasound—I heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time here and I cried like a baby.
I also joked that the baby looked like an engagement ring)
As far as what is to come for this blog, I am finally feeling like I have some more energy, so expect more posts in the coming weeks. I hope to resume outfit posts as well. I am still fitting into all of my regular clothes so I look forward to when I have to dress for my bump because that will be a fun challenge for me (or maybe not so fun…we shall see!)
I will of course be blogging about the pregnancy/baby but I am not sure how often aside from the weekly updates and these initial announcement/how we found out/first trimester recap posts. Personally, I have really enjoyed following all of my blogger friends on their pregnancy journeys and into motherhood, and I hope you’ll follow me along on mine 🙂
Thank you again for all of the well wishes, thoughts and prayers. To answer a few questions before I go—YES we will be finding out the sex of the baby (probably at our 20 week a/s, if not sooner) and yes, we have some names picked out but I won’t share those until later on.
Have a great week everyone!
Casey says
AH! I missed your last post – a million congratulations!!!!! I'm so excited to follow your pregnancy 🙂
Whitney Harness says
I am so excited for you guys! I felt the exact same way when it came time to try for us, I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to get pregnant! I don't think anything could be more exciting than that moment when the stick says "pregnant"! I can't wait to follow along during your pregnancy – new life is just amazing and beautiful! This past year (since my son was born) has just been more amazing and fulfilling than what we ever imagined 🙂
allison says
so sweet…. i can't wait to follow along in your journey! you will be an adorable/beautiful mommy to be! congrats to you and your hubby 🙂
Katie {Miss Dixie} says
Congratulations!! The first month we really "tried" with keeping ovulation in mind we got pregnant as well. We are expecting our baby boy in March. Looking forward to following your journey and I can't wait to see your outfit posts!! xoxo Katie
kate says
As someone who will be trying to start a family soon with my husband, I can't wait to hear your progress and read your upcoming posts!!!
alisha b says
Love this post…makes me remember the day i found out I was expecting our daughter back in Feb 2011. She is now 1! Cant wait to follow you on your pregnancy journey and see you dress up your bump!
MonaK2 says
Congratulations! So happy for you both! I also found out the baby's sex with both of my pregnancies – I am too much of a planner to be surprised! LOL I do wish I had waited to share our name choices until the babies were born. While most everyone was positive, we did have a few negative comments, and once or twice when a friend said "oh-that reminds me of ________" it ruined the name for us, too. Can't wait to "share" your journey into Motherhood through your blog!
Carolina Belle says
AHHH -this is so exciting! I've never been pregnant and I'm a couple years away from trying but it's thrilling to get to see friends go through it! I can't wait for future posts, many blessings in the future for you, your husband, and your little one!
FashMags says
Your husband is hilarious!! 'What do you mean? I was gone for less than 30 seconds!' Had me cracking up!!
Congrats again!! Very happy for you both!
fashmagsbypam.blogspot.com
facebook.com/fashmagsbypam
Mrs. V says
Congratulations again! I am so happy for you!
*maja* says
I am still so over the moon excited for you two! I can't imagine better parents in the whole entire world! XOXO Maja
Careyanne says
Absolutely Beautiful Story!!!! Congrats to you and your hubby:) And thanks so much for sharing, Xx
Tina Enad Tagle says
congratulations Veronika! I have 3 children of my own and love every minute of it! I love being their mom. I love being mom 🙂
Tracy Vidmar says
This is so awesome Veronika! I love your blog and am so excited to read all of your baby updates – if you turned it into a "mom blog" I would be perfectly happy! 🙂 I have a two year old and am due with my second in March so really look forward to following along with your pregnancy. I had terrible morning sickness/exhaustion with both pregnancies and it was really a test for me – but the end result is of course worth it. 🙂 Congrats again and I look forward to all your updates and maternity wear!
Beautygirl24 says
Awww, how perfect! I love that you took the time to plan it out so thoughtfully. I am a chronic worrier too (thanks generalized anxiety!) and I am sure that I will be just as methodical as you were about getting pregnant. I have been on BC pills for so long that I often worry about my fertility as well. But anyway, I'm so happy for you two and I can't wait to see more outfit posts featuring the bump 🙂 You will be just as adorable as ever!
Chelsea MacMeekin says
Congrats again doll! I am so happy that things worked out for you. Cheers to an awesome rest of your pregnancy!
chelsea
Haute Child in the City
Steph Sterjovski says
V, I am just so happy for you! This made me cry! God Bless your whole family. Wishing you a healthy & happy pregnancy.
XOXO
Stephanie
http://www.stephaniesterjovski.com
Rubiiee says
Congratulations again, Veronika! :]
Lindsay says
Congratulations! I'd love to continue reading all about your pregnancy and how you dress your pregnant body. I wish you had been pregnant before me so I could use your outfit ideas, but I'll save them for next time.
Alex says
Congratulations again!!! I can't wait to see your outfit posts again 🙂
XO Alex
https://www.bronzedsundaze.blogspot.com
Isabella Ninette says
Congratulations! Motherhood is the most beautiful and rewarding experience I could ever have imagined! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Jacki says
Aww 🙂 I'm so happy for you. The baby DOES look like a little engagement ring in that ultrasound pic!
I have a little anxiety and can definitely understand worrying about being able to get pregnant even if there was no real reason to worry.
Here's hoping you continue to feel better and have more energy in the coming weeks!
Kari says
Congrats again! Being pregnant, while not always easy, is the most rewarding thing in the world! Just wait until you start feeling the kicks and punches…it doesn't get old! 🙂
Schnelle says
What an exciting time! I have a tendency to think the same way and I always worried that I wouldn't be able to conceive either so it was such a relief when I saw that positive test too. I can't wait to read all about your pregnancy updates. I've been posting bi-weekly "bumpdates" if you want to check them out:)
Joan says
Ahh so exciting! I bought a ton of maternity clothes right away thinking I would need them and here I am 6 months in still not needing them (wearing mat pants, but mostly because they're so darn comfy). I have a feeling you won't need them for quite a while either!
Can't wait for all of your future baby posts!!
Ella Pretty Blog says
So excited for you – lovely to read how it all happened for you – and great recommendations on the fertility book.
I look forward to reading your pregnancy updates and seeing your OOTDs – you have the best style and I can't wait to see how you approach maternity wear 🙂
Nicole says
Congratulations! My daughter is 8 months old… those first few weeks/months are tough but so worth it!
Also, I love pregnancy/baby posts, so I do hope you will share whatever you are comfortable with! Congratulations again!
Sandra says
CONGRATS!!! I am truely happy for you. It is a real blessing and thank you for sharing such amazing news with all of us. I am a worrier too, and from one worrier to another, I can tell you will be a great mom. Take care and many blessings!
les yeux bleu says
Congratulations V! I am looking forward to reading about your journey to motherhood. As always, I appreciate your honest blog posts as they are both interesting and informative. My husband and I were considering starting a family and I was wondering after you went off the pill if you were using another birth control method (while you were still on medication) before officially trying in September or just let things happen naturally?
Diana says
Congratulations again. Very shortly before I found out I was pregnant, one of the first things that I noticed and found weird was that my nipples were darker. I thought I was weird for that to have happened to me so early on in pregnancy. Glad I'm not alone!
I hope that the second trimester brings relief of morning sickness and more energy – a lot of people say it does (unfortunately I was not one of those lucky people to catch the second tri break..booo)!
Elizabeth Martin says
Love the way you found out. It is very similar how I found out. I was in completly shock. I am so happy for you. Congrats again. Please post about your pregnancy or making a pregnancy blog. I had one to document my pregnancy for my child to read in the future. It is also very helpful when you plan on having more children to compare the different pregnancies. I hope to be preggo with our 2nd soon. So reading post with a fellow preggo is always fun. Happy 2nd tri.
Kristen says
yay! i'm so happy you guys had such a great experience! congrats again doll!
Sara says
I am BEYOND excited to see how your posts reflect being pregnant and then being a mother! As a mom of toddlers myself, I always wished I had found a fashion blogger who was a mom–now I have!! You are going to be the BEST mother!!
jeannie says
That's an awesome story! Would love to see your journey! Are you still exercising and has your eating changed? Would love to hear all about it. 🙂
Riley McGilvray says
So exciting! I can't believe how quickly it happened! Congrats again, Veronika!
Nicole Sullivan says
I'm so happy for you and your husband!!
Smulvaney05 says
So awesome, I've been reading your blog for a while and while I love your style, I have had a hard time relating since I'm a few years older, stay at home mom. This post took me back to the moment when I found out I was pregnant with my first (she is now 5, followed by her 2 year old brother), and it is is truly amazing. So weird to carry on with your normal life, while something so incredibly life changing has happened one morning before work. It will be an amazing journey, can wait to follow along. I wish you the happiest and healthiest.
The Hopeful says
Hugs from Malaysia, Veronika!
Can't wait for your stylish bump updates! 🙂
Wishing both of you and little Lulu amazing journey during your pregnancy!
Big con rats hunn!
Raquel says
Sooo exciting!! I can't wait to read updates 🙂
The baby really does look like an engagement ring!
Adrienne says
Engagement ring — you earned a true LOL over here!
cloud says
Congratulations again Veronika! I'm only 19 so it'll be a another 10 years before I try to get pregnant but like you, I've always dreamed of being a mother. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story, I'm very happy for you and your H! My bf is starting to think I'm a stalker because I wont stop talking about how perfect you live seems to be lol. Anyway I hope I'm as lucky about getting pregnant as you were, I worry about it too.
Have a healthy happy day with your family, best of wishes xx
kate says
So so happy for you!!! My little boy will be 9 months next week and it seems like yesterday I found out I was pregnant. It has been the most amazing time. Can't wait to follow along with your pregnancy. Congratulations!!!
REESHELL says
CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!! I can't wait for the updates — i already love that you are TMIing!! hahaha, you are so lucky it happened quick!! I look forward to reading updates on you and baby!!
Jayne Becca says
It was meant to be! I will follow your pregnancy posts with interest & can't wait to hear more. I can't wait for motherhood myself but the time isn't right for me yet xx
LS says
Ha ha yeh you don't have to wait five minutes like in the films do you? As I commented on your last post, we found out at 13 wks – the test changed AS I pee'd on it, I was so shocked and shaking. I expected to sit about chewing my nails waiting for it to change 🙂
mk sharma says
Nice Posting!! Keep it up!!Main problem faced by women trying to conceive. It is necessary to know the RIGHT Day, RIGHT Time and RIGHT Way for conception…Now you can plan your pregnancy and you can choose your date and time of pregnancy as you like with Ovulation Kit.
Jennifer says
Oh wow. Your finding out story sounds so much like my own. I am so happy for you. Emma is the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I love being a mommy.
Sarah S. says
Oh my goodness! What a lovely story to share and a huge congratulations to you and your husband 😀 I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant and so psyched to meet our little girl <3 You will absolutely melt when you first feel your little one move – it's such a great moment. So happy for you <3
lasavoy says
Oh I love this!!! We got pregnant the first time we used an ovulation predictor kit too. It was so unexpected I'm still reeling!! Can't wait to see your upcoming posts 🙂
Jadey says
Congrats on your exciting news! You are one week ahead of me (I'll be 13 weeks this Wednesday). Sounds like you actually got pregnant in August before you started "planning" if you are due in May. Looks like your body knew you were ready! I look forward to reading your blog over the next few months and borrowing style ideas. Good luck with everything!
Michelle @ The Vintage Apple says
A huge congratulations to you and your husband, Veronika!! I knew something was up when I didn't see any posts from you in a while in my reader!!! Being pregnant is going to be such a magical/wonderful/worrisome time for you, but enjoy each and every single moment of it…before you know it, you will wake up like me and see yourself at 36 weeks pregnant and wonder where the 9 months flew by!! I am now patiently waiting on my little guy (he's due Dec 21st) and can't wait to be a mommy. Y'all are going to be amazing parents!!! Congrats again!!!
[email protected] says
@Jadey—I know for sure I got pregnant in September because I got a positive ovulation read on September 4th or so.
Lauren@ Not Your Average Southern Belle says
You are due just a few days ahead of me 🙂 Congratulations!
Chantelle says
Congrats! I have been following your blog for over a year and I'm so thrilled for you both. Take care of your self and thanks for posting!
Jadey says
Hmm, maybe I'm having difficulty with math today, but if you got preggo in September you would be due in June. Seriously, pull out a calendar and go back 13 weeks. Also, you can get a positive ovulation test if you are already pregnant. Just an FYI.
Gwen Harley says
Veronika I think Jadey is right. If you are 13-14 weeks you would have conceived in August. Either way exciting news!
[email protected] says
@Gwen—I am due May 29th, so practically in June—I would not have gotten a positive read on my ovulation stick for an LH surge on September the 4th if I was already pregnant in August, right? My LMP was August 17th and I have 36-37 day cycles 🙂
Gwen Harley says
Veronika, sorry to doubt you, but ovulation tests can test positive if you are already pregnant (they detect the pregnancy hormone as well as the LH hormone, so you can technically use an ovulation test to find out if you are pregnant). If you do the math there is no way you are almost 14 weeks if you conceived in September.
Heather says
I am so thrilled for you! You will be a terrific mother!
[email protected] says
@Gwen—I know what days we did the deed, so it would have literally been impossible to have gotten pregnant before August the 31st because we had been abstaining completely for a couple of weeks as I was coming off of the prescription medications I was on. My due date is at the very end of May and all of the online calculators I've used indicate that if my LMP was August 17th, then I would be due late May. My doctor has confirmed this as well 🙂
[email protected] says
I also want to mention I have very long cycles, so I ovulate later into my cycle than most women who have a typical 28 day cycle, so you have to account for that as well 🙂
Gwen Harley says
Sorry to doubt you… I find the pregnancy calculating very confusing and it still doesn't quite make sense to me from what I have heard before but as long as you know your details that's what is important. Congratulations and best wishes to you and your husband.
Christina says
Congratulations! A child is the biggest blessing in life. My two have gotten me through some really tough times. They inspire you to never give up, to grow in faith, to always do your best and they make you laugh and smile constantly (even on challenging days). There is nothing better.
cindspectus says
I am just catching up on my favorite blogs after the Thanksgiving break, so I missed these two wonderful posts. Congratulations! What great news to be able to share during the holiday season. I wish you the best as you go through pregnancy!
[email protected] says
Gwen- the way it is calculated is very confusing but they calculate it from the date of your last menstrual period since most women cannot be certain of the exact day they ovulate. It's a standard, across the board practice. So basically you are pregnant before you are pregnant according to those calculators. They count those weeks as part of your pregnancy even though you are not physically pregnant at the time. That's why they say a pregnancy is really 40 weeks.
Andrea Clare says
🙂 so happy for you! you are an amazing person and you deserve all the happiness in the world! I too suffer from this "chronic worrying" and I actually have the same fears about jobs and future pregnancy!! I'm so glad it all worked out for you 🙂
-Andrea
Gwen Harley says
Aha, that's the part I didn't get and couldn't wrap my head around. Thanks for the explanation.
Jadey says
Gwen, I guess we both can't count. 40 weeks backwards from May 29 is August 22. However if V states they were abstaining until September, that would make the doctor off. V, don't be surprised if you deliver 2 weeks later than what you are expecting.
Honestly, I wouldn't be tossing in my $0.02 on this issue if I wasn't also pregnant and due within a week after you. I got pregnant in late August and I'm due June 5th. The concept of you getting pregnant in September and being due in May just blows my mind.
Anyway, good luck with your pregnancy.
[email protected] says
Jadey–my baby is measuring at the correct week and there is no way I could have been pregnant sooner. How long are your cycles? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have 36-37 day cycles. I've used several online calculators and they all say the same thing- I probably ovulated on sept. 5th and if I did it says May 29th would be 40 weeks. https://www.babymed.com/pregnancy-due-date-calculator?event=2&cycle_length=36&weeks=5&days=0&ivf_days=3&MM=5&DD=29&YYYY=2013&showResults=1
maria says
Congratulations! I am a new mom to a 2 month old and am excited to follow you on your journey. It is such an amazing time in your life. Best wishes!
Rachel says
Wow! That's incredible that you conceived on your first try!
Meg O. says
Man, you and the husband need to go to Vegas since you have so much good luck in making a baby!! LOL!
Again, sooooo happy for you!! The nipples was the absolute FIRST thing I noticed, too. I think I told you that already though. Can't wait to read more updates!! xoxoxo
AG says
Hi Veronica,
First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy ! You have just started the most wonderful journey of your life !! I'm a mother of two myself, so you'll see how different you'll perceive, feel, be and see life once you become a mother, it's just indescribable 😉
Second, I've been following your blog for more than a year now and I've even forwarded it to a friend of mine and now the two of us often talk about you and what you are up to as if you were one of our friends 😉 It's funny…anyway, I just thought it was about time I say hello ! You among other bloggers have been a source of inspiration for me, I'd love to start blogging myself, but having a full-time job, plus motherhood I'm kind of giving it a lot of thought, let's see…maybe I'll end up giving it a go 😉
Amy says
So exciting! Congratulations! Hope you're feeling great and that the pregnancy is a breeze for you! Hearing that heartbeat for the first time is absolute magic 🙂
Rachel @ The House Always Wins says
Congrats! This was a really interesting post. I keep hearing about TCOYF, I should check it out.
PS Love the engagement ring ultrasound! I thought the same thing when I first looked at it!
Amber says
Oh my gosh congrats!! I'm just catching up on your blog, my husband and I just had our first little one on 11/19 :). I am so happy for you, as a brand new mother I can say that all of the diaper changes (oh my gosh are there a lot of them!!), the sleepless nights, and the labor recovery would normally seem like a hard experience but the baby makes it worth it. The love I have for this little guy is incredible- you will be amazed at how much love you will feel :). Saying a prayer that you have a healthy happy pregnancy!
Laura Cisneros says
How exciting LOVE ur blog and wathc your YoutTUbe vids all the time I am like 3 weeks ahead of you due May 26th so it will be so exciting to see what changes we both go through congrats again ur gonna have a oh so stylish baby.
Alissa says
@Jadey
Veronika is right. I am pregnant now and due at the end of March. I ovulated in early July but you start counting from the date of your last period (mine was late June). So that's why I'm due end of March instead of the beginning of April.
Congrats Veronika 🙂
Monica of BeautyParler.ca says
Congratulations!! Love the story on how you found out. And I must get that book! xo
Mrs. HaHa says
I missed this post until now; what a wonderful feeling and excitement! I look forward to reading about your journey of pregnancy and mommyhood!
Kirsty says
Have you heard of the brand My Tummy? http://www.mytummy.co.uk They were recommended to me for maternity clothing and they have some really lovely designs! They also do great looking breastfeeding wear (including breastfeeding blouses which I'm in love with!). I saw that you're expecting again so please do a post on them if you check them out! x