All the Baby Details

in BabyHTP, First Tri, Pregnancy

Catching up?  Read the announcement post!

 

Your announcement post was fun!  Are those gluten-free cinnamon buns? I want the recipe!  They look AMAZING!

I’ll admit it… the cinnamon buns were just a prop.  Not even homemade.  The thought of slaving over the stove to make cinnamon buns was not appealing, so I bought a tube of regular Trader Joe’s cinnamon buns.  Nicole came over and shot the post for the Husband and I, and then she ate my baby.  Hah!

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I feel like there are hidden messages in your announcement post…. Am I right?

Yup!  There are hidden messages!  The hidden clues include:  ultrasound pictures on the fridge, What to Expect When You’re Expecting on the countertop, my (wishful) bump in one of the shots, one missing egg from the carton, I’m holding the eggs and the Husband is mixing the icing (too much? Ha!), and our wedding rings are shown in the ‘going in the oven’ shot.  Clearly, I planned this post for weeeeks and had lots of time to be all coy and creative.

 

So, how far along are you?  And when is your due date?

I’m 9 weeks this Wednesday, and BabyHTP is due on June 13.  But I hope the baby is a few days late and is born on Father’s Day!

It blows my mind that there is already a heartbeat. Mind = Blown.

9 weeks?  Isn’t it too early to tell everyone?

Traditionally, most couples wait until the end of the first trimester, after which the risk of miscarriage drops significantly.  We still have a couple of weeks to go until that point… but we mutually decided to reveal now because we heard the heartbeat on Friday, and our doctor said this makes our chance of miscarrying significantly lower than before (although, of course, it could still happen). 

 

Miscarrying is, unfortunately, incredibly common – one in four women will miscarry at some point.  I can completely understand why some women don’t want to tell too soon because then they’d also have to tell everyone they miscarried.  But, based on what other women have told me, another reason some women ‘hide’ pregnancy and miscarriage is because our society often makes them feel ashamed – like they did something wrong.  I really respect movements like I Am The Face (as well as bloggers like Brie Fit and Life in a Holding Pattern, among others) because it brings awareness to the issue and, hopefully, makes more women realize that it’s not their fault.  Thus, part of the reason why I feel comfortable talking about my pregnancy now is that I would probably blog about my experience if I miscarried. I really believe women shouldn’t feel like they have to stay quiet about it – unless they want to, of course.

 

And lastly, it’s become increasingly difficult to hide the pregnancy on the blog.  People have been asking me, “Why didn’t you run that half marathon? Are you a total flake?” or “You seem to be tired a lot – could you be depressed?”  It’s so hard to hide something like this for long when you blog about your daily life.  People began to suspect and email, tweet, or comment with questions.  I hated deceiving everyone, so once we heard the heartbeat, we figured – why not now?  I know this isn’t the choice that everyone would make, and I totally respect that, but we’re both comfortable with going public now. 

 

How did you find out, and how did you tell the Husband?

Amazingly, I tested positive nearly a week before my missed period.  I used strip tests from SaveOnTests.com; I had a pack of 30 for $10, which meant I could test to my crazy heart’s content.  Six days before my period, I POASed (peed on a stick), thought it was negative because a line didn’t immediately appear, and tossed it in the trash.  Then, ten minutes later, I thought, “Hmmm.  Maybe I should re-check.”  So I dug it out of the trash and – lo and behold – a very, very faint line was there! I proceeded to POAS four more times. The Husband wasn’t home, so I was flippin’ out all by myself. 

 

I immediately g-chatted Ashley and Kath and e-mailed Jen, as being all by myself and wondering if it was real was TERRIBLE!  I moaned to Ashley, “I just wish I had kept a negative stick as a control to compare this faint line to!” and she jokingly suggested I use the only other female in the house – my dog Maggie – as a control.  She was totally kidding, but I thought she was a genius.  I raced Maggie outside, convinced her to pee in a cup, and tested her urine.  And – as you guessed it – she was not pregnant… but I was!   Yes.  I am the crazy person who used her dog’s urine as a control. 

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The Husband was due home any minute, so I quickly gift-wrapped a baby onesie that I had been hiding in my underwear drawer for about four months.  The onesie was a University of Miami onesie from The Striped Whale – it is so adorable. 

 

When he arrived, I handed him the gift and told him to open it.  He just stared at the onesie without a single clue of what I was trying to say.  When I finally blurted out, “I’m pregnant!” he went into shock… repeating over and over again, “Are you serious? Are you SURE?”  It was awesome.  I secretly videotaped the 10-minute exchange (which was SO fun to watch back!), and here are a few stills:

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How did you tell your family?

We immediately Skyped DadHTP and told him ‘face-to-face’ – it was hard to do something creative with him being in California.  However, to tell my in-laws, we stuffed several helium pink and blue balloons in a HUGE gift box.  We handed the gift to my mother-in-law, who was very surprised when she opened it and the balloons flew out!

 

We told MomHTP at a restaurant – I went in early and asked the waitress to use a baby onesie to wrap the silverware, and I made Mom sit in that specific chair.  About halfway through dinner, she unrolled her fork and knife and nearly had a heart attack. 

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What were your first symptoms?  Are you puking your brains out?  Have you gained weight?

My first symptom was – oddly enough – burping.  I never burp, but suddenly, I began to burp 15 – 30 times a day (it’s sexy).  Morning sickness began when we were on vacation in Puerto Rico, but I haven’t puked yet – I’m not really a yakker.  I can best describe morning sickness as feeling perpetually hungover; it blows (and I’m pretty sure I have it easy).   And yes – the reason why I fainted in the middle of Nicole’s wedding ceremony is because I was pregnant!  Pregnancy changes your blood pressure, so standing perfectly still in the heat was a recipe for disaster.   Lastly, nope – I haven’t gained any weight.  I actually lost a pound because I stopped drinking and cleaned up my diet.  I cannot WAIT to get a real baby bump. 

 

How’s exercise and healthy eating going?

So far, so good!  I decided to drop out of the Half Marathon I had planned to run on October 22 because I wasn’t feeling so hot, but other than that, I’ve maintained 9 – 15 miles per week.  Exercise really helps me feel normal, especially in the morning.  And although there’s been a few times that I just wanted to eat toast and cereal for dinner (and did), I’ve mostly been able to continue a normal, plant-based diet with lots of veggies and fruits.  I can’t stop thinking about pumpkin pie, though.

 

Is it a boy or a girl?

It’s too early to tell… plus, we don’t want to know!  Seriously.  We have no desire to find out in advance whether it’s a boy or girl.  We would really be happy with either gender, and we both feel like this is one of the ‘last great surprises’ in life.  However, I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s a BOY!  I keep calling the baby ‘he.’

 

I know you’re all into holistic medicine.  Are you going to deliver on your couch while surrounded by a drum circle?

If I could… I would.  Minus the drum circle.  I would love to have a home birth.  Unfortunately, it is illegal for direct-entry midwives to perform home births in North Carolina.  It is also illegal in Washington DC, Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, South Dakota, and Wyoming (you can home birth by yourself in those states; it’s just illegal for the direct-entry midwife to be there).  There are very, very few (if any – I can’t find a single one) Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) in Charlotte who operate outside of hospitals.   So I think that limits my realistic and legal options to: delivering in a hospital with a doctor, delivering in a birthing center attached to a hospital with a CNM, or delivering in a birthing center with a midwife.  If anyone has any other information, please – pass it on!  My #2 goal is to go all-natural regardless of where I give birth (#1 is to birth a healthy baby).  But, of course, we’ll see what happens! 

 

Are you scared?

Yes.  I am scared all over.  This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done!  I’m scared that my baby won’t be healthy.  I’m scared that they’ll grow up to be a teenager who hates me.  I’m scared that I won’t be able to balance working with being a mom (fun fact:  in a 1.5 month timespan, I will give birth and my next two books will be released – holy hell).  I’m scared Maggie and James will hate the baby.  I’m scared we won’t have enough money.  I’m scared of changing dirty diapers.  

 

But… I’m happy. I’m so happy.  I’m overwhelmingly happy.  I know, in my heart, that it’s all going to be just fine.  Even if it’s scary; even if it’s hard.  This baby is already the best thing that ever happened to me.  And yes… this blog is about recipes and running and being healthy – but it’s also my real life.  And I’m so glad I get to share the experience with YOU!

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Thank you for reading and supporting us on this journey.  It truly means so much to the Husband and I.

{ 452 comments }

 

  • Carissa November 7, 2011, 4:55 pm

    I’m so sad I missed your original announcement. How amazing and truly exciting! 🙂 Congratulations to you and your family! 🙂

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table November 7, 2011, 4:57 pm

    OMG! I’m just catching up – congrats!!!

    I LOVE the way you told your hubby. Best of luck to you both. 🙂

  • Lee November 7, 2011, 4:58 pm

    I have to admit, when you told me that you weren’t doing the half anymore on twitter, I wondered if this was why!

    I love the stills from the video. Congrats again.

  • Wendy November 7, 2011, 4:59 pm

    AHHHH, I’m SO happy for you two! Love the stills – you really captured a lot of emotion there.

    We didn’t find out the gender of either one of our babies, but I *KNEW* – and I was right both times!

    Looking forward to following you on your journey!

  • Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn November 7, 2011, 4:59 pm

    AHHHH OH MY GOD. I am tearing up right now. The stills are so so cute. Oh my God. Husband clearly wants to be a dad, and clearly loves you so much. Well duh. Omg it makes my heart melt. Ahahaahaha the doggy poopy cup picture makes me die

  • TeenyLittleSuperChef November 7, 2011, 5:00 pm

    Dude, that’s so wonderful! Congratulations to you and the husband! I’ve been following your blog for-freaking ever now, and I’m so stoked that you’ll be taking us along on the ride for this new adventure. You two are going to have the most adorable baby. Do you hope he has red hair like the hubs’? I hope he speaks in an English accent too. That would be so cool.
    Take care of yourself, eat well, and just enjoy your pregnancy. Your new life has officially begun 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

      Thank you 🙂

      My plan is to not talk to the baby or let anyone else talk to it for the first 5 years of its life except the Husband, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law, as they are all British and then the baby will develop an English accent. That will work, right?

      • Carin November 7, 2011, 9:20 pm

        Not necessarily – unless you only let them watch British TV as well! Freya thinks that she’s Dora the Explorer and has never been to the US/ Mexico. Mind you, lots of people here (in NZ) comment on the kids’ “British accents” and although they have British passports, they haven’t been to the UK yet. So maybe you just need to get a British passport to get the accent… presumably bubs will be entitled to one through his Dad – can you have dual UK/US nationality?

        …and remember, if you’re serious about it, you’ll have to be “Mummy” not “Mommy”!

        • Lindsay November 8, 2011, 10:08 pm

          I have dual citizenship. My parents are both british. I unfortunately do not have an English accent. I do want to warn you that it will be difficult to get dual citizenship for your child as you are not a citizen. You need to have been both parents as british citizens! 😀

          • Justine November 9, 2011, 7:37 am

            This is wrong and you really shouldn’t be posting such misleading information…

            http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-usa/birth-registration/

            The sticky part is if Kristien is already a first generation Brit born abroad, but considering he’s a PR, I doubt it.

            “As a general rule, only the births of first generation children born abroad to parents born, registered or naturalised in the United Kingdom may be registered in the Consular Register.”

  • Chelsea November 7, 2011, 5:00 pm

    Love this! I have a question! How long had you been trying for? Was it a total shock or had you been hoping for this for a while? Thanks for sharing this special time in your life with us!!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

      We hadn’t tried for long but we were definitely hoping!

      • Andrea November 8, 2011, 9:48 am

        Would a conception post perhaps be in line? I love hearing those stories whether the journey to TTC was long or short. 🙂

        • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:52 am

          I’m not sure – maybe!

          Here’s it in a nutshell:

          Went off BC in June.
          Gave it a ‘not trying but trying’ effort in August.
          Gave it a legit ‘use an ovulation calculator’ effort in September.
          Got pregnant.

          • JenATX November 13, 2011, 9:47 pm

            Congrats! excited to see the whole pregnancy unfold 🙂

  • Lisa November 7, 2011, 5:00 pm

    I love the onesie-as-napkin idea you did with your mom!! Totally stealing that whenever we get to baby-making. Congrats, enjoy every second and thanks for sharing!

  • Anne@A Gluten-Less Foodie November 7, 2011, 5:00 pm

    So very exciting Caitlin! And those pictures are absolutely priceless. Awww, I love it! Congrats!!

  • HTPDad November 7, 2011, 5:00 pm

    I love you both very much! Can’t wait to see the video!

  • Erin (Travel Eat Repeat) November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

    The stills from that video are really sweet. What a great moment to capture.

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

    Beautifully written! xoxo

  • Lisa November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

    What a nice post. 🙂

  • Danielle November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

    Aw, Caitlin. Congratulations! I am so happy for you both.

  • tricia November 7, 2011, 5:01 pm

    Congrats!

  • Jennifer November 7, 2011, 5:02 pm

    woah, tears. congratulations! beautiful story + pics!

  • Kelly November 7, 2011, 5:02 pm

    I am so happy for you. I actually just had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago. I was 11 weeks and we heard the heartbeat at 7 weeks and then at the 11 week appointment it was no longer. I had to have a D&C. This has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through but I trust that I will have another chance to have a baby soon. I don’t mean to be a downer and I am super excited for you.

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:06 pm

      Ugh I am so sorry, Kelly. I didn’t know this happened to you. How totally freaking unfair. You’re not being a downer – you’re just being real.

  • Crystal November 7, 2011, 5:02 pm

    Wow! I don’t normally comment a lot but I totally just teared up in a coffee shop reading this! Congratulations!!! If you can figure out a way I totally think you should “give birth on your couch with a drum circle,” no matter what anyone else says! Also, I can’t believe that would be illegal in N.C., it is a shame that the medical community can’t except birthing processes that don’t fall into their paradigm (I know many women who have had home births and I realize that home births aren’t really on your couch w/ drummers). Again, congratulations. Every one loves a baby…

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:06 pm

      I agree – i think it’s a total infringement on my individual rights!

  • Sunny November 7, 2011, 5:03 pm

    I love the stills from the video. Its so sweet!
    Congrats again! I cannot wait to follow your journey.
    Also, I have absolutely no desire to know the gender early of my future kiddos, so I think thats awesome too! 😉

  • Mary @ food and fun on the run November 7, 2011, 5:03 pm

    Those still pictures from the video are so so awesome. What an awesome idea! Those made me smile from ear to ear 🙂

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb November 7, 2011, 5:03 pm

    oh my goodness i about died seeing that picture of maggie!!

    i also really appreciate your comments on miscarriage. you’re totally right about the stigma that comes along with a topic. unfortunately miscarriage has touched my life and i can tell you that it definitely makes a woman feel ashamed, inadequate and embarrassed. i am happy that, slowly, people are becoming more aware and knowledgable about it because like you said, it’s very common.

    on a happier note, sounds like you two are just over the moon… as you should be! this is such an exciting time in your lives 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:08 pm

      Thank you for sharing this comment, Kathleen. Love you!

  • Haley November 7, 2011, 5:04 pm

    I LOVE that you taped telling your hubby that you were pregnant. The stills are amazing and will be awesome to have for such a long time–not to mention his face is PRICELESS. Can’t wait to read about your journey and congrats again!!

  • D November 7, 2011, 5:04 pm

    Congratulations! I am happy for you and your husband!!!!

  • Tami November 7, 2011, 5:04 pm

    you will be so happy to have all this written down so years from now, when your kids are 8 and 6 (how the hell do i have an 8 yr old…my 6 year old just READ ME A BOOK!) it’s the greatest thing being a parent. i am so happy for you both

  • Rebecca November 7, 2011, 5:05 pm

    Congrats! You guys will make great parents!

  • Sana November 7, 2011, 5:05 pm

    I loveeeeee the fact that you video taped telling the husband, I need to remember that for the next 5-6 years 😉

  • Hotpotatokate November 7, 2011, 5:05 pm

    Ahhh! I wish I had told my husband in a cute way, but I tested while he was home and called him in to go “is that a LINE??? no seriously, is it a LINE???!!” and kinda ruined that moment 😉 (this was when my period was 4 days late, but after a negative test earlier that week).

    I had the same perpetual hangover thing- and it didn’t leave until week 22. I was SO OVER IT.

    Also applaud you for sharing “early”. I really struggled to reconcile my belief that we should be more open about miscarriage with my desire NOT to share it with the world “too early”, and I’m still not sure if I made the right decision.

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

      I think, at the end of the day, whatever decision the couple is comfortable with is the right decision for them. It’s an intensely personal moment and should be up to the couple.

  • Julia November 7, 2011, 5:06 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Super exciting news. And the due date = my wedding anniversary, which was a WONDERFUL day 😉

    • Jessica November 7, 2011, 6:09 pm

      Mine too! And my parents!!! Congrats Caitlin.

  • Penélope November 7, 2011, 5:06 pm

    Ok, now you made me cry!!!!!!! I’m living it as if a friend of mine was telling me the news, and I don’t even you! But I’ve been reading your blog for 3 years now….and I feel incredibly happy for you. You’re gonna be an amazing mom, Caitlin!! Besos desde España 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

      Gracias 🙂 Te amo!

      • Penélope November 7, 2011, 5:18 pm

        (more tears on the way)love you too!!!! Now I need to go to the States and give you a hug!! My blog-friend is having a babyyyyyyyyy!!!

  • Beth @ 990 Square November 7, 2011, 5:06 pm

    Okay, I’m crying. In my cubicle. I’m so happy for you!

  • Kristy @ KristyRuns November 7, 2011, 5:07 pm

    SO many creative ways to tell people the great news! Love it!

  • Kristen @ The Concrete Runner November 7, 2011, 5:07 pm

    Now I have to read all your posts before anyone elses! Ha! I LOVE that you video taped telling your huz! That is awesome! I can’t even believe how excited I am for you! Pregnancy was one of the greatest experiences of my life, a close second to holding my little girl in my arms! (btw, I also had a suspicion mine was a girl before I POASed – I also knew I was preggo too before then.) enjoy every second!

  • Laine November 7, 2011, 5:07 pm

    I’m so freaking happy for you!! (That is so sad about the home birth laws in those states. Both my sisters had their 2 kids at home, in MA and Maine. And used acupuncture throughout their pregnancies.) Can’t wait to follow your journey!

  • Danica @ It's Progression Not Perfection November 7, 2011, 5:07 pm

    Those pictures of the two of you are incredible! That was a such a good idea for you to videotape him finding out–something that will be amazing for you to look back on! Congratulations again!! I can’t wait to read all about your journey!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) November 7, 2011, 5:07 pm

    🙂 the Husband looks so happy! Looking forward to hearing more about your holistic approach to pregnancy as you progress! Congrats again

  • Whitley November 7, 2011, 5:08 pm

    you do realize that women everyday have children every day and that you’re not anymore special than they are?

    just another child to overpopulate the world…millions of children in the usa that need homes…

    • Laura November 7, 2011, 5:13 pm

      Why comment if you are going to leave comments like this? Seriously? Either say congratulations or say nothing at all. Your comment contributes nothing positive to the conversation.

    • Talia November 7, 2011, 5:16 pm

      SERIOUSLY?

      • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:20 pm

        It’s okay, ladies. Thanks for your support. Comments like this really do not get under my skin. If that’s how she wants to think about life in general, fine by me. Doesn’t impact my joy in the slightest. How can I be sad when there are so many awesome e-friends out there?

        • JenATX November 15, 2011, 1:17 pm

          amen sistah!

    • Sunny November 7, 2011, 5:20 pm

      What kind of comment is this? Be nice or say nothing at all…

    • Alison November 7, 2011, 5:22 pm

      No need to be negative about someone’s happy news. Every new life IS special.

    • Cheryl November 8, 2011, 11:47 am

      You are right, thousands of people have children everyday but each of these children is still incredibly special. I don’t think Caitlin is saying her journey is any more special than anyone else’s but it’s still an amazing moment for her that I’m glad she shared with all of her readers.

      Congrats Caitlin, can’t wait to continue reading!

      • kayleigh November 8, 2011, 2:54 pm

        what do you get out of saying something like that to somebody? there’s no need for negativity..

  • Kelly November 7, 2011, 5:08 pm

    🙂 🙂 🙂 !!!

  • Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen November 7, 2011, 5:08 pm

    Congratulations!! I know that it’s scary, but it’s also amazing, and you guys will handle it all as it comes! Seriously, I can’t stop grinning for you 😀

  • Candice @ Sailing on Paper November 7, 2011, 5:08 pm

    Such an amazing idea to video tape when you told your husband! And congratulations to both of you! I’m really looking forward to all your healthy living while pregnant posts 🙂

  • Rebecca November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

    Your Hus’s face in the second still made me laugh, and the one after that is perfect. 😀

  • Bernadette November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

    LOVE
    LOVE
    LOVE
    that you aren’t going to find out the gender!!! I didn’t with any of mine (3) and thought it was SO FUN!!!

    It would be like peeking at a Christmas present-
    Besides, I figure I would have already picked out both boy and girl nursery themes in advance and that can all be purchased in about a weekend… no need to ‘plan ahead’.

    I’m so stinkin’ excited for you!!!

  • Jocelyn November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

    Amazing story… I’ve been checking back all day to hear the details.

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 5:09 pm

    Congratulations!!! I am not near ready to have babies yet (still trying to get into medical school!) but I (as a creepy stranger?) am SO excited for you!!! I found out about GOTR through your website and am coaching a team now, so in a weird, round-about way, I feel like I know you, and I know you are SO, SO happy 🙂 Can’t wait to read about your experiences 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:13 pm

      Yay! Thank you for coaching GOTR 🙂

  • Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers November 7, 2011, 5:10 pm

    I have to admit, the bit about how you told him made me tear up a bit. It’s all so exciting!

  • Karen @ Run Shop Travel November 7, 2011, 5:11 pm

    I can’t get over how adorable you and the Husband are…those video stills are so cute! Congrats again!

  • laura November 7, 2011, 5:11 pm

    congratulations — so thrilled for you!! i’m interested in starting the fertility awareness method and remember reading that you were using it. were you able to get clues from charting that you might be pregnant?

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:22 pm

      Kind of – I generally knew when I was o-ing and we baby danced around then. But I didn’t use temping so I didn’t get any warning signs I was preggers.

  • Heather November 7, 2011, 5:11 pm

    what a great idea to videotape telling your husband, that third pic of him is so priceless, I LOVE it! Can’t wait for more updates!

  • Christie Inge ~ Intuitive Eating Coach November 7, 2011, 5:12 pm

    Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you guys!!

  • Ingunn November 7, 2011, 5:14 pm

    Those stills are so cute!

    We’re considering maybe, possibly, trying sometime in the not-so-distant future, so it’ll be extra fun to follow your pregnancy.

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair November 7, 2011, 5:14 pm

    OK first, congrats again! I am apparently clueless because I had no idea and I didn’t even notice you quit drinking?! Ha!

    I will admit the icing + egg thing was a *little* too much 😉 But you’re still my fav blogger! The last two stills of you and the husband also just made me tear up at work. That is so sweet. I’m glad you secretly videotaped it. Will be SO COOL to show your kid that one day!

  • Sarah November 7, 2011, 5:14 pm

    I just knew that Nicole was a baby-eater…

    Haha, seriously though, congratulations!

  • Christie November 7, 2011, 5:14 pm

    I love that you filmed telling your husband! The shots from that are so awesome! My husband and I told our close family and friends right away but told everyone at 8 weeks. I liked doing it like that but it does make it seem like you’re pregnant forEVER (I’m 28weeks now).

    I can’t wait to read along!

  • Laura November 7, 2011, 5:15 pm

    Congratulations!!! I’ve been a quiet follower for a while and I can’t wait to hear about this new journey!

  • Jess November 7, 2011, 5:15 pm

    The picture of the hubs holding his hands to his mouth (and you doing the same) is so sweet. What a beautiful moment and memory!

  • Bec November 7, 2011, 5:15 pm

    Congrats! I’m secretly hoping it comes on June 14 because I’m biased to think that’s the best bday ever (mine) and it is flag day! If I lived close enough I so would have made you some homemade rolls (they’re my specialty). Good luck!

  • Amanda November 7, 2011, 5:17 pm

    OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Your post made me cry with happiness for you :’)))))))))) Wishing you all the best on your journey!!!

  • Melissa November 7, 2011, 5:18 pm

    Congrats!!! And thank you for sharing the information about miscarrying. I have unfortunately gone through that ordeal twice this year and am just now starting to open up about it!

    Best of luck to all 3 well 5 of you!! (pets are children too!)

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:21 pm

      I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage… I really hope you get your sticky baby ASAP.

    • Christy November 7, 2011, 5:56 pm

      I miscarried twice before I actually got pregnant with my son. It can be so discouraging. Hang in there and have faith.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen November 7, 2011, 5:18 pm

    Video taping that was such a good idea, the still are so cute. 🙂

  • Brittni Ray November 7, 2011, 5:18 pm

    I lurk your blog everyday…but never comment. But after this post I HAD to!! I am so happy for you! Congratulations :))))!! How exciting!!!

  • Raya November 7, 2011, 5:19 pm

    Ahhhh the pictures from the video you took made me tear up!! IwillnotcryatworkIwillnotcryatwork….

    🙂

  • Jaclyn @therealhealthwife November 7, 2011, 5:19 pm

    Awe the stills from your video have me in tears right now, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have been reading your blog for a while now and I can tell you two are going to make amazing parents!!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) November 7, 2011, 5:19 pm

    The stills of you and your husband are so sweet! I love the idea of sharing the news in a creative way. My parents already knew my mom was pregnant with my sister and I when they went in for the first ultrasound, but my dad was outside the room with my brother when my mom got her first ultrasound. They called my dad in to let him see and before my mom could say anything, he saw two heartbeats on the monitor and almost had a heart attack when he realized we were twins 🙂

  • Tropical Eats November 7, 2011, 5:19 pm

    you are so creative! look the hidden cam.

    congrats again!

  • Alison November 7, 2011, 5:19 pm

    Awww, how very exciting! I am 32 weeks along and remember feeling exactly like you at 9 weeks – scared but happy! I guess I still feel exactly that way, haha. We are not finding out the gender either, and I actually love the anticipation. It’s fun going back and forth imagining a boy or a girl. And there are tons of cute gender neutral things out there.

  • Kristin @ STUFT Mama November 7, 2011, 5:20 pm

    LOve love love your announcement post! You are so creative!!!!! I’m so excited for you to go down this journey! Yay!!!!!

  • Savannah @ Sweet and Savvy November 7, 2011, 5:20 pm

    I am SO excited for you and cannot wait to hear all about your journey! I can imagine how scared you are, but you will make one AMAZING mother! I know it! 🙂 Good luck with everything, and I am loving the baby talk!!

  • Penny November 7, 2011, 5:20 pm

    The stills from your video made me teary-eyed. So incredible.
    I’ve been reading your blog for years, and as creepy as this sounds, you are one of my very favorite people. I’m so excited to read along as you go through this journey.

  • Erin November 7, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Love the honesty and positive attitude and, of course, love the post!!!

  • Johanna B November 7, 2011, 5:21 pm

    I can’t wait to read all about your pregnancy journey (and everything else you share with us). I loved being pregnant and I love hearing about other women’s pregnancies. Also, I’ve read HTP for a long time and I feel like I’m part of it all.

  • Jen November 7, 2011, 5:22 pm

    I love the stills from you telling your husband. You both look so happy 🙂

    I don’t know much about babies, but I do know a bit about dogs. If you’re nervous about Maggie and James with the baby, start taking them to public places with a lot of kids to start socializing them to young children. Really a toddler is much more of a challenge with dogs than a baby. My older sister had a Siberian husky before she and her husband had their son, and the dog adjusted just fine, even though that breed isn’t always the most child-friendly (they can be territorial); she was quite a mama hen actually!

    So happy for you!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:22 pm

      Oh this is good advice! I am nervous but I’m pretty sure they will be okay IF the baby grows up around them.

      • Jen November 7, 2011, 10:03 pm

        I think by the time a baby is capable of tail-yanking and crawling full-speed at a dog, the dog has already accepted the baby as the new pup in the pack haha.

  • Amanda November 7, 2011, 5:23 pm

    The pictures (stills) made me so emotional because of how real they are. It’s obvious that you two are both so happy, excited and in love. Which is the most important thing!

    Congrats again!

  • crystal November 7, 2011, 5:24 pm

    Just b/c it’s illegal for a DEM to attend a birth doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen (ask me how I know lol) so if you’re comfortable w/breaking the law it might be possible. I had my first with a family practice doctor and it was great. She ended up seeing me for my pregnancy, my baby after, DH and even though I had my second at home she sees her now too. I’d pick her over an OBGYN any day!

  • Jacqueline November 7, 2011, 5:24 pm

    oh, i’m crying all over this!

  • Courtney November 7, 2011, 5:25 pm

    How exciting! Congrats! I especially love the third still of your husband’s reaction. So cute!!

  • Hannah November 7, 2011, 5:25 pm

    Caitlin! Congratulations! I love your blog so much and am so happy for you and the hus! Those stills are literally the cutest and I’m so excited to keep reading as the year progresses!

  • Dynamics November 7, 2011, 5:25 pm

    I am so excited and happy for you guys. I love that you are not taking advantage of new technology and waiting for delivery to know what the sex of your bundle of joy will be. I personally agree, after nine months you will deliver a beautiful baby and finally get to learn the sex. Then decide if the name you choose is a good fit. Congrats!!!

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 5:26 pm

    Are you planning on doing a post on how you got your BFP:)? As someone who is TTC the natural way I’d love to read about your experience!!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:58 pm

      I used an ovulation calculator online. And did the baby dance. I do think Taking Care of Your Fertility was helpful for general info though, although I didn’t temp.

  • Allison K November 7, 2011, 5:26 pm

    Congratulations!! I am sure everyone has already said this to you, but I totally had a sneaking suspicion that you were!
    I am 14.5 weeks along right now (due May 2nd, although I know it’s more like May 5th, thank you Fertility Awareness Method), and I so hear you on the morning sickness feeling. I likened it to feeling like I had the flu, and KNOWING it wasn’t going away for at least 6 more weeks (I started feeling sick at about 6 weeks)! I started feeling better around week 12, and last night was able to cook for the first time (cooking made me gag).

    Hooray for babies!

  • Brittany @a healthy slice November 7, 2011, 5:26 pm

    Those still shots and you and your hubby made me cry- how incredibly amazing and what awesome pictures to have forever. I’m over the moon excited for you!!

    And I say girl. Just wanted to get that out early 🙂

  • Erin November 7, 2011, 5:27 pm

    Yay for you both! I’ve been waiting for this post 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 7, 2011, 5:28 pm

    Okay I am so incredibly excited for the two of you. I can’t wait to hear all the updates, mainly because I have had baby fever since she day I said ‘I do’!

  • zoe (and the beatles) November 7, 2011, 5:28 pm

    those freeze frames made me all teary-eyed! and i don’t even want kids :p! again, congratulations caitlin. wishing you the best of luck and sending you many a positive vibe!

  • KatieG @ Just Roll With It November 7, 2011, 5:29 pm

    So happy for both of you! Love the thought you put into the post, the video, and telling your family! The pictures of you telling the husband are making me tear up, so amazing that you were able to capture such a special moment! Congrats!

  • amy jo o'hearn (the striped whale) November 7, 2011, 5:30 pm

    i just wanted to say congratulations! my friend follows your blog and told me that you had mentioned “the striped whale” and i just got goosebumps from reading how you told your husband. so thrilled for you and very happy to have had a small part in your creative way in telling your family:)
    amy jo

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:58 pm

      The onesie is really great, Amy!

  • Susan November 7, 2011, 5:31 pm

    Those stills from the video are soooo sweet! aww, now I’m all teary… 🙂

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 5:31 pm

    Congrats! So funny that you asked if there was only 1 baby when you were hearing the heartbeat haha we didn’t ask that so good thing they found the 2nd baby or we would have had quite the surprise 😉

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:57 pm

      AhhH! That is crazyballs.

  • Kim T November 7, 2011, 5:31 pm

    That is so cute that you secretly filmed telling husband. I love the third picture you have of him looking at you so surprised. Happy for you both. It is terribly scary and terribly wonderful. Hard and easy at the same time. I thought the first trimester was like being perpetually hung over too. I wish you the best.

  • Ash November 7, 2011, 5:32 pm

    Congrats!! I love that you got that moment on camera…so special! I just went in for my first ultrasound today and I’m due two days after you! We are planning to tell everyone this weekend…can’t wait! I’m excited to follow your journey!

  • Amy November 7, 2011, 5:33 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! And what beautiful and amazing pictures!

  • Dani November 7, 2011, 5:33 pm

    Yayyy Caitlin! I really thought you might be pregnant and I’m so happy that you are!

  • claire November 7, 2011, 5:33 pm

    if you want a birth center, why not Carolina Community Medical Center? In SC, but right by Charlotte.

    • claire November 7, 2011, 5:41 pm

      sorry, maternity, not medical center!
      http://www.carolinabirth.org/

      • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:55 pm

        That’s the one I’m considering! It’s the closest one to us.

  • Shayla @ The Good Life November 7, 2011, 5:34 pm

    Those pictures had me so teary-eyed, your hubby’s expression is priceless! Love love it! Btw, who did you get to take those pictures? I would love to capture our moment like that when it happens – hopefully very soon!

    Will you be going into more details about how you were trying (charting temps, etc.) and what worked for you?

    So excited for you and the hubby and to follow you along this journey! 🙂

    • Shayla @ The Good Life November 7, 2011, 5:41 pm

      oops nevermind! I reread that you videotaped it, what an awesome idea! 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:56 pm

      I used an ovulation predictor calculator online – that’s it!

      • Shayla @ The Good Life November 7, 2011, 7:05 pm

        Oops sorry to ask again…saw your response in the previous comment. Thanks girl! 🙂

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel November 7, 2011, 5:35 pm

    I am so insanely happy for you. First off, those photos of your husband are adorable. Save that video forever & ever & ever (which I’m sure you will)! You’re going to make an amazing mother…I’m sure your GOTR girls can even attest to that!

  • Marie@feedingfive November 7, 2011, 5:35 pm

    So Exciting!!! Don’t be scared. From reading your blog I have no doubt you will take care of yourself and your baby during this pregnancy and beyond.

  • Heather November 7, 2011, 5:36 pm

    Congratulations! Those pictures are so precious; thanks for sharing them with us!

    I had a home birth under the supervision of midwives. we planned on going to the hospital (under the supervision of midwives) but didn’t have time because of a short labour. It was crazy, but a great experience. I hope you can find a solution you are happy with!! And congrats again!!

  • JenRD November 7, 2011, 5:36 pm

    So amazing & emotional! Seeing that heartbeat for the first time is incredible! Every stage along the way becomes even more amazing, enjoy it!

  • suzy pepper November 7, 2011, 5:38 pm

    Like I can’t even describe how happy I am. I am SO HAPPY for you! And those secret pictures are just so sweet – look at how happy he looks! Ahhh! So much happy!

  • Kenley November 7, 2011, 5:38 pm

    Wow! Congrats to you both, Caitlin! I’ve read your blog for awhile and must say its one of my favorites! Your humility, humor and positive messages are an incredible influence on so many people!

    I’m excited also because I’m also pregnant and due June 10th! So happy to follow you on your pregnancy journey, especially since you are so close to my same timeline! No one I know is this close! Woohooo! 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:56 pm

      yay! Thank you so much. Keep me up to date! I’m love to hear about your journey, too.

  • katie @ KatieDid November 7, 2011, 5:39 pm

    Smiling from ear to ear while reading this and the pictures of your husband are soooo awesome! You’ll always love looking back on those!

  • Hillary November 7, 2011, 5:39 pm

    The pictures of you telling the Husband your news made me melt a little bit. Sending you guys lots and lots of love. This is great!

  • Nicole Mullins November 7, 2011, 5:40 pm

    I love that you secretly taped telling Husband! I love the pictures, they’re priceless! And I love how you told your family. I wasn’t creative at all with my little girl… I just blurted it out to anyone and everyone, lol! I’m so happy for you Caitlin! <3

  • Jane November 7, 2011, 5:41 pm

    Congrats!!! So excited for you!

  • Jessica November 7, 2011, 5:43 pm

    I have to admit; those stills made my eyes water, too. I am so happy for you both!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes November 7, 2011, 5:44 pm

    I just love the expression on your husbands face! It is absolutely priceless! I can’t wait to hear all about your pregnancy journey…I’m sure it’s going to make waiting EVEN HARDER!!!

  • Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs November 7, 2011, 5:44 pm

    OMG that third pic of you and the Husband totally made me tear up!!! I LOVE that you sercretly filmed it

  • Heather November 7, 2011, 5:49 pm

    I love love love that you secretly filmed telling your husband- what a priceless moment to look back on!

    And I think there’s some loophole to the homebirth in NC thing but I can’t remember what it is- I’ll figure it out and let you know if somebody else doesnt first.

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:53 pm

      I wonder if its the nurse midwife v. direct entry midwife thing. Let me know what you learn!

  • Tamara November 7, 2011, 5:49 pm

    Love that last picture! Congratulations to you both (again)!!

  • Kristin November 7, 2011, 5:50 pm

    Congratulations! So excited for you and to read about your journey! It is so awesome to share such a special experience with a blogger I truly admire!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:54 pm

      Thank you so much sweetie.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife November 7, 2011, 5:51 pm

    COngrats!! That is OH so exciting!

    My sister used a birthing center just last month for her birth (3rd baby boy!) and LOVED it. Maybe I can get some info from her? It was in PA though.

    SO happy for you guys 🙂

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 5:54 pm

      They have a birthing center in South Carolina. I would love to know what she thought of the experience though!

  • Christy November 7, 2011, 5:54 pm

    Congrats! That is such amazing news! The still pictures you posted put tears in my eyes. We didn’t find out the sex either and it was so much fun. Especially in the delivery room! But I knew it was a boy. 😉 And that was 15 months ago today…time goes by so fast. Remember to take time to enjoy the pregnancy and every minute you have to yourself because the roller coaster is just leaving the station…I am looking forward to reading about your journey!

  • Ash November 7, 2011, 5:56 pm

    Congrats!! Honestly, I had no idea that your prior post was an announcement. I was actually looking for a recipe (ha!). I look forward to reading more about your pregnancy and baby in this blog. Hooray!

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy November 7, 2011, 5:57 pm

    This is adorable. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reenie November 7, 2011, 6:00 pm

    I absolutely love the first 2 pics of you guys….sitting on the sofa. AND your other 2 kids are there (James & Maggie) sharing the news too!

    Love the way you told your parents (all of them) too.

    Too cute~ congrats again. =)

  • Liz November 7, 2011, 6:00 pm

    I loved, loved, LOVED your announcement this morning!!! That was the cutest post EVER!!! I’ve been reading your blog for a little over a year now and I was so happy for you this morning. It felt like one of my good friends was telling me the happy news! I am really starting to want a second… and I have thought and thought about how I might reveal it one day if we are blessed with another baby ever. Congratulations! Now, on a different note, I live in Rock Hill, SC and a friend of mine not too far away (in York) just had a home birth and their midwife came to their home for most appointments. Let me know if you are interested and I will get more information for you! Congrats again!!! 🙂

  • Shelly November 7, 2011, 6:01 pm

    Thanks so much for giving us all the details!! Such an exciting time!!! Are you one of those people (like me) who’ve had baby names picked out for years?!?! Will you share? Also, I know you’ve blogged in the past about some GYN issues you were going through. Do they have any effect on pregnancy?? Thanks so much!! Congrats again!!

  • Amanda November 7, 2011, 6:01 pm

    Omg that third still shot of you telling Kristien KILLS me. Even though I don’t know you, I am so excited for you!!!!

  • nancy November 7, 2011, 6:01 pm

    As a mom who also chose not to know the gender of my babies ahead of time, I can say that it is the best moment ever when your birth attendant holds up the baby and you finally get to see who he/she is. I have three teenagers now and I’ve never been sorry that I didn’t know who they were ahead of time. We didn’t really have names selected either. We had several for each gender that we liked and we waited to see what seemed to fit the baby. Every set of parents gets to pick how they want to do things so you guys do what works best for you no matter what other people say. I’m just extra happy for you that you are planning to save the best surprise. It’s totally worth it!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:56 am

      Love this comment!

  • Amanda @ JustAmandaJ November 7, 2011, 6:01 pm

    You and The Husband are so adorable! I’m so happy for you both and can’t wait to read all your posts about this journey!!!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled November 7, 2011, 6:03 pm

    I’m so so excited for you and also so excited to read about your progress since we’re the same number of weeks along!

    Your post articulated so well so many of my feelings. I’ve not puked yet either, but the nausea and fatigue wipe me out. I’m still running and working out and it is the only thing that makes me feel normal. And I have had so many people ask me why I went public so early and I did so for your same reasons. How could I talk about my life on my blog without including the baby and my pregnancy? It’s all I think about these days! And I agree, I would write about a miscarriage if it were to happen (God forbid!).

    Yeah for babies!

  • Alexis November 7, 2011, 6:03 pm

    Ohhhhh my goodness this is such exciting news!! HUGE congrats to you and the husband! I had a feeling this post was coming soon with all the recent baby talk:) That’s one lucky baby to have such a confident, self-assured mother. You’d be an incredible role model for a daughter!

  • Shari November 7, 2011, 6:04 pm

    Oh my gosh, those stills from the video are just about the cutest thing ever!

    Huge congratulations to you both! Enjoy every moment of this magical journey 🙂

  • erica November 7, 2011, 6:06 pm

    awwwwww!!!!
    so happy and excited for you!
    i loooove the screen caps, so sweet!

  • Marie November 7, 2011, 6:07 pm

    The stills from the video are so sweet and endearing. The one where you both have your hands to your face says it all!

    Congratulations to you and your husband! 🙂

  • Cindy November 7, 2011, 6:07 pm

    I am SO happy for you and the husband! 🙂

  • Heather November 7, 2011, 6:08 pm

    I know that my coworker’s wife goes to the birthing center across the line in SC and she loves it!

  • Julie November 7, 2011, 6:09 pm

    Those stills are SO sweet!!! Congrats again. xoxoxo

  • Lindsay November 7, 2011, 6:09 pm

    Those pics of you telling your husband just brought tears to my eyes!!

  • Laura November 7, 2011, 6:11 pm

    Those stills from when you told the husband are freaking amazing. They are making me teary…

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian) November 7, 2011, 6:11 pm

    I spit out my tea laughing so hard at the thought and image of Maggie peeing in a cup. The screen caps are adorable. So unbelievably happy for you two 😀

  • Meghan November 7, 2011, 6:12 pm

    Caitlin,
    I have info on homebirth in NC. I gave birth to 2 babies in the last 2 years, both with the most beautiful and loving midwife you could ever imagine. E-mail me if you would like details!

  • Sarah November 7, 2011, 6:12 pm

    OMG, I can’t believe I didn’t suspect that when you fainted! I was totally surprised 🙂 I love the still pictures from your secret video! Those are moments meant to be captured your all’s emotions and expressions are so beautiful. Congrats again!

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat November 7, 2011, 6:15 pm

    Love love LOVE… especially the idea to video it and wrapping the one-sie! Can’t wait to follow along with your journey – sending congrats and well wishes your way! 🙂

  • Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart November 7, 2011, 6:18 pm

    Congratulations to you and your husband!!! This news is so so so exciting! Those still pictures are amazing…what a memory to have 🙂

    P.S. Our due dates are 3 days apart!

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu November 7, 2011, 6:19 pm

    I think you’re going to be amazing parents!! Congratulations again!!

  • Heidi November 7, 2011, 6:21 pm

    Congrats – so excited to read all about it!

  • Kelly November 7, 2011, 6:21 pm

    YAY! Thanks so much for being so willing to share so much with us, it’s so much fun to read about your life and share in all your excitement with you.

    Also, one of my best friends just went through a miscarriage and she really agrees with you about it being so covered up and shes not sure why… thanks for pointing me to I am the face, very great organization!

  • Christina November 7, 2011, 6:21 pm

    Oh my, Caitlin, CONGRATULATIONS! I read this post and when I realized what it was about IMMEDIATELY started crying…in a good way! I am so, so happy for you guys! I don’t comment often but read every day and I know this baby is so lucky to have such amazing parents as you and Kristien. I know it’s scary but embrace it and appreciate every second – it passes so quickly. You guys will do great! Ok, I’ll stop gushing – congrats again!

  • Meghan November 7, 2011, 6:22 pm

    Caitlin – Congratulations!! This is all so exciting. I was wondering if this was what was going on when you had the “baby discussion” a while back. What exciting news!

    PS. I just about melted when I saw those stills of you telling the Husband… amazing!

  • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 6:23 pm

    Congratulations! I got a little misty eyed when I saw the still of you telling the Husband!

    Weeeeeee!

  • Kelly November 7, 2011, 6:23 pm

    Oh ALSO… when you did your Planning Parenthood post, was that when you were already pregnant or before you found out? haha- good thing everyone didn’t say DON’T HAVE KIDS haha

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 6:26 pm

      I got pregnant the week after 🙂 Ha!

      • Amy November 7, 2011, 7:41 pm

        Nice!

      • Sarah @ w30 November 7, 2011, 8:24 pm

        HA! That’s awesome! 🙂

  • Ffion @ Chocolate and Raspberiies November 7, 2011, 6:25 pm

    Congratulations! I’m super super happy for you! xxx

  • Kristina @ spabettie November 7, 2011, 6:26 pm

    oh my GOSH I can’t believe you did that with Maggie – hilarious! I’m still laughing.

    I love the stills from the video – brought tears to my eyes! so happy for you both. XO

  • Joanna November 7, 2011, 6:27 pm

    SO SO happy for you Caitlin!
    I am also secretly so relieved for selfish reasons because I remember your comments at HLS about feeling unsure about having kids and being worried about screwing them up (ha!) and I remember feeling so similar to you about those things … so now that you’re pregnant it gives me hope that maybe one day I can handle it too!
    I can’t wait to read about your journey, especially because I know you will keep it real! 🙂 Congrats again!!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 6:28 pm

      I have decided that having a healthy dose of fear about parenthood is a good sign 🙂

    • Colleen November 8, 2011, 11:27 am

      I so agree with this!! It’s absolutely WONDERFUL to see people who truly want children become parents. You and K are going to be wonderful parents, so very happy for you both!! <3<3<3<3

  • Jen November 7, 2011, 6:28 pm

    I still say girl! 🙂

  • Priyanka November 7, 2011, 6:30 pm

    I have come to the realization after my own personal experience that emotions about a baby coming into the world are purely genuine coming from anyone, the best from your spouse. I could not get over the child-like expression on my husbands face when we found it about our baby and really hearing the heart beat just made me cry. I was shivering with excitement. I am just a week ahead i.e. 10W and had my second ultrasound today, the babys’ heart was beating faster and stronger!

    I don’t know why I am writing so much but I feel like I found a friend to share this with 🙂 I am in Knoxville and would love to meet you personally, when you come here to met your mum!

    • Caitlin November 7, 2011, 6:30 pm

      Next time I’m in Knox we should hang out!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) November 7, 2011, 6:30 pm

    Maggie got thrown off of the husband’s lap? LOL.

  • Jeannette M November 7, 2011, 6:35 pm

    I’ve been reading for so long and never really comment all that much. CONGRATULATIONS this is amazing news and I think your child will be confident, beautiful and have crazy amounts of self esteem.

  • kate November 7, 2011, 6:36 pm

    i totally missed the announcement because i was traveling in UTAH to celebrate my sister’s baby shower for her miracle baby! (seriously, she has been trying to have a second baby for 8 years) my new niece and my nephew will be almost exactly 11 years apart! i am sooooo excited for you! i can’t to watch your journey unfold so i can get some baby courage of my own!

  • ashley November 7, 2011, 6:38 pm

    Yay! Congrats! Of all the blogs I read, you’ve talked about having babies the most. So it seems so fitting that now it’s time! I know when I was in nursing school in Chapel Hill I visited a birthing center that didn’t have any of the hospital vibe at all. They basically let you keep it natural unless things got scary. Then you could go to the hospital, which wasn’t too far away. I’m sure you could find something like that in Charlotte.

  • MLT November 7, 2011, 6:39 pm

    Congratulations!! That thing with Maggie peeing in a cup has got to be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on your blog. You rock. I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats November 7, 2011, 6:41 pm

    This is so exciting! I am so happy for both of you and I’m so thankful you are sharing your journey with all of us!

  • Verna November 7, 2011, 6:42 pm

    You’ll be an awesome Mama! It’s so scary but so incredibly wonderful too! I love your husband’s reaction!! So happy for you both!!

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 6:44 pm

    You’re so creative! The announcement, telling your parents, telling Casey! So awesome. So happy for you both!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 7, 2011, 6:46 pm

    Ok, you almost made me tear up on this one!!! I’m so so happy for you Caitlin! The shots of you and the Husband when you broke the news are great, and I hope you show the video to Baby HTP one day! And that comment about you holding the egg and the Hus stirring the icing… I’m still giggling. 😉

  • allison @ thesundayflog November 7, 2011, 6:46 pm

    ooooooooooh boy. tears as soon as i saw those photos. K just looks SO excited. i am so so so happy for you and cant wait to read about this. my mom once told my sister, “if you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never be ready” =)

  • Jessie @ Graze With Me November 7, 2011, 6:52 pm

    YAYYY!!!!!!!!

    I’m so happy for you guys! I became a mom on September 19th and I have to say its been incredible. Life is such a miracle!

  • Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife November 7, 2011, 6:53 pm

    Holy crap, I am so happy for you! I’m in class reading this (I’m the worst student ever), and it was very difficult for me to remain silent and not have a huge goofy grin on my face as I read this! CONGRATS!

  • Megan November 7, 2011, 6:54 pm

    congrats again! you’re due the day before my best friend – an exciting time for babies! csn’t wait to experience this journey with you.

  • kayleigh November 7, 2011, 6:58 pm

    congratulations again!! to be honest, those stills from the video took made me cry. no, blubber. in the middle of my kitchen while cooking dinner.anyways, i am so happy for both of you!!

  • Sara November 7, 2011, 6:59 pm

    So happy for you! Were you guys trying or were us using FAM and it just happened??

  • Mel @ Post Grad Mel November 7, 2011, 7:03 pm

    Congrats- wishing you and your family all the best!

  • Krista November 7, 2011, 7:05 pm

    Oh my goodness, the pictures of you and your husband made me cry. I am so incredibly happy for you and wish you all the best!

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 7:06 pm

    Congratulations on this new little life! 🙂 Praise God for His creation is fearfully and wonderfully made!

  • Shayla @ The Good Life November 7, 2011, 7:08 pm

    And I meant to say I just love the sound of that heartbeat in your video, truly amazing! And I love when you said “it’s just one in there, right?” Ha love it! 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:56 am

      I was scared there was two!

  • alicia November 7, 2011, 7:27 pm

    I nearly cried. And then I told my parents and random people. I feel as excited as if we were personal friend..CONGRATS.

  • Jennifer November 7, 2011, 7:30 pm

    Congratulations! As a mom of three, all I can say is being a parent is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do. As long as you parent with love and from your heart, you can’t go wrong. Best of luck!

  • Margaret November 7, 2011, 7:34 pm

    Congrats to you both! You are already a beautiful family, and thank you for letting us be a part of something so special! I can’t wait to watch your family grow!!

    PS- The time between the announcement and this post seemed SO LONG. I kept looking to see if you had put something up – I was so excited to hear more!!!

  • Lisa November 7, 2011, 7:37 pm

    Congratulations to you and your growing family! I’m sorry but I can’t stop laughing about having Maggie pee into a cup. You are truly crazy! I’m so happy for you!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape November 7, 2011, 7:38 pm

    I am in tears at all of those pictures of when you told your husband. Congratulations to both of you!!!!

  • Amy November 7, 2011, 7:39 pm

    Thanks for sharing all this! I love the “hidden video” picture of you and your husband. Those will be so fun to look back on over the years!

    Also, re: miscarriage: I think the statistic is actually higher – more like one in three. In fact, some experts believe that nearly every woman will experience pregnancy loss in her lifetime, whether it’s a chemical pregnancy or a miscarriage. It’s brutal. But you are right: once you see the heartbeat, it’s much more likely (but NOT a given) that you’re in the clear.

    I’m also super impressed that you’ve been able to continue eating healthy and working out throughout your first trimester. I ate nothing but cereal and did nothing but lie on the couch until week 13.

  • Julianne November 7, 2011, 7:40 pm

    I love the creative ways you told your family and the way you were able to capture the moments! I cannot wait to follow along in this journey.

  • Dr. Jen November 7, 2011, 7:45 pm

    Congratulations!!!

    I LOVE the stills from the video! Super adorable idea!

  • Rachel November 7, 2011, 7:45 pm

    I am so excited for you and your expanding family! And what a cute and clever way to share your news with us on the web and with your family. Congratulations! and I loved your secret footage of when you told your husband about the news; that will be a great thing to look at repeatedly, and even for your future child to see! I loved the stills!

  • Mylene November 7, 2011, 7:45 pm

    I’ve got to tell you, I totally teared up when I saw your husband’s reaction. I wish you so many blessings! May God bless your future family, and I’m sure that James and Maggie will be the best and furriest older siblings baby HTP could ever wish for!

  • dani November 7, 2011, 7:46 pm

    oh my gosh, that picture with both of you with your hands over your mouths maybe made me tear up a little. SO excited for you!

  • Ann @ Turbo Teacher November 7, 2011, 7:48 pm

    Aw, what an exciting post!!!! I love the still shots ~ Great idea! Congratulations!!!

  • Sarah Branson November 7, 2011, 7:52 pm

    I know of BirthTender http://www.facebook.com/BirthTender
    The midwife (CNM) is very experienced and talented. Her name is Karen Benfield.

  • Kris November 7, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I feel like the blog baby stalker. I LOVE reading about pregnancy, birth, kids. Pretty weird for someone who didn’t have kids, but I think having children is the greatest gift that can happen to people.

    If you’re craving pumpkin pie, think about pumpkin bread pudding. I made some last week that was TDF, and ate way too much of it 🙂

  • Briana November 7, 2011, 7:59 pm

    So happy for you and the Husband! You are going to have one beautiful child 🙂

  • Laura Ann November 7, 2011, 8:00 pm

    Congratulations!!! So happy for you!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) November 7, 2011, 8:04 pm

    The last still makes my heart melt. It is so evident that the two of you are so happy and excited.

  • Krista November 7, 2011, 8:05 pm

    Congrats Caitlin!! I just have to say I am so excited that you are not going to find out the sex of the baby beforehand. My sister waited for the sex to be a surprise & it was the best moment when they brought out my niece & announced it was a girl, everyone was shocked! Best surprise ever! Good for you guys for letting it be a surprise!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga November 7, 2011, 8:05 pm

    Awesome post answering eveyrone’s burning questions.

    So happy for you guys! I was a maid of honor in my sister’s wedding when I was about 6 mos pregnant and nearly fainted..the standing, the tight dress, the hot lights, I can relate 🙂

  • Sarah November 7, 2011, 8:07 pm

    I am so happy for you guys!!! I just had baby number four and I can’t tell you what a joy children are. They are so worth it. Be blessed.

  • Lauren November 7, 2011, 8:10 pm

    I KNEW IT!!!! I had such a feeling after your FB posts the other day. 🙂 I couldn’t be more happier for you. 🙂

  • Malorie November 7, 2011, 8:14 pm

    Congratulations! I am pregnant too. I will be 11 weeks on Wednesday. It will be so fun to read about your pregnancy! I also told my husband by wrapping up a baby outfit. His reaction was so cute. I wish I would have thought to record it!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:54 am

      Congrats on your pregnancy!

  • lauren (athlEAT) November 7, 2011, 8:15 pm

    CONGRATS! I am a week behind you…!! 🙂 cant wait to read about your experience. I am feeling the exact same way as you are right now.

  • Sarah November 7, 2011, 8:19 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog for 2 years and now I feel like a friend is pregnant! Congratulations!!!! I’m so happy for your family!

  • Vanessa (@IsleStyleLiving) November 7, 2011, 8:22 pm

    So cute!!

    I’m having an unmedicated birth, at least that’s the plan.

    Your pictures made me tear up! I blame my own pregnancy hormones- only 6 weeks left!

  • lisa @ early morning run November 7, 2011, 8:24 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the stills from the hidden video. That is priceless! Congrats to you both, and your families!

  • Kelly November 7, 2011, 8:25 pm

    Ahh I’m so glad I waited until I got home from work to read this post. I was crying! I absolutely loved the still shots of the big reveal. Congrats!!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 7, 2011, 8:26 pm

    Awwwwwe – I love the stills (especially the last two). You two looks so happy!!!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 7, 2011, 8:28 pm

    I am just head over heals happy for you two and so thankful that you are sharing with us! I’m kinda sad my time for having babies is over. With a 13 and 10 year old (which I love these ages), I’m starting to miss my little guys. Nursing is what I miss most. It was complete one on one time with my babies and it is time I will forever cherish. I know you two will make incredible parents. You both have incredible hearts and you are such an amazing couple! I can’t wait to watch your family grow! Congratulations to your amazing family!

  • CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ November 7, 2011, 8:31 pm

    I am so so so so excited for you guys!!!! and im totally being selfish hoping the baby comes on june 13th since that is also my birthday! 🙂 i wish i could give you a hug! haha virtual hugs!!!

  • Molly November 7, 2011, 8:34 pm

    Hey Lady,
    Always read have never commented before. I am so happy for you. I had my second daughter in May…my girls are 17 months apart. I did want to warn you about a post pregnancy problem…when someone posts something on a blog…like making their dog pee in a cup you might find that when you laugh harder than you have in a long time that you might pee on yourself a little bit. I have not laughed so hard in a LONG time! In all seriousness…congrats. I am one of the lucky ones who actually feel better and happier than I do “normally” (after the first trimester of course) and I wish the same for you!
    Take Care,
    Molly

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:54 am

      Hahahah 😉 Thanks for the warning!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston November 7, 2011, 8:38 pm

    I LOVE those still photos!! So adorable! My favorite is the one where you both have your hands to your mouths and the last one 🙂

    And don’t worry about losing a pound — a lost 9 pounds during my first trimester and finally have gained 7 of them back (I’ll be 20 weeks tomorrow!)

    Can’t wait to keep reading about your journey!

  • Carla Runs The World November 7, 2011, 8:39 pm

    This post is not helping with my baby fever!!! I have to keep reminding myself “diving trip to Palau in 6 months, diving trip to Palau in 6 months” — it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity (who goes to Palau, right?), but damn it, this is hard!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:54 am

      Dive in Palau first 🙂

  • Melissa November 7, 2011, 8:41 pm

    Congrats. But to be nitpicky…..pregnancy tests detect hCg which is human chorionic gonadotropin which is not found in canines!

    • CaitlinHTP November 7, 2011, 9:15 pm

      haha yeah but it showed me what a negative test would look like! i knew she couldn’t be pregnant.

  • Joey November 7, 2011, 8:43 pm

    I cried when I read this… Absolutely LOVE the pictures of you telling the Husband! So excited for you guys!!! Really looking forward to following your pregnancy journey! 🙂

  • Coco November 7, 2011, 8:43 pm

    Such creative ways to tell your family!!! Love it!

  • hemp jogger November 7, 2011, 8:51 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! this is gonna be such an awesome journey to read. best post ever! yall will be awesome parents : )

  • Amy November 7, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Icing…I thought the Husband was holding the batter.

  • Courtney @ The Petite AthlEAT November 7, 2011, 8:56 pm

    Wow. Just wow. You’re incredible. I can’t wait to follow you along your journey into motherhood! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

  • jessika November 7, 2011, 8:59 pm

    I knew it! Congratulations! I just had my baby a month ago and I did it fully unmedicated at a hospital (Homebirth was too expensive ), but you need to get a Doula, mine was great and jump up and down and hugged my nurse at the end of my birth.
    Thank you for mentioning miscarriage, I had one last year and It’s very taboo until you mention it and then everyone else talks about how they also had a miscarriage. This time we waited to see the heartbeat also.
    You’re gonna be an awesome mommy!

  • Evi November 7, 2011, 9:05 pm

    Congratulations!!! That is very exciting. I do have to say that you had very creative ways of telling others, definitely makes it that much more fun!

  • Kerry November 7, 2011, 9:07 pm

    WOW!!! Congrats! Those still photos are somethin’ else. Such a great idea to have that special moment recorded/photographed.

  • Jen November 7, 2011, 9:16 pm

    OMG, those pictures you posted from the video when you told your hubby totally make me want to cry! The look on his face in photos 2 & 3 is priceless, and the look on YOUR face in the last one just has pure joy written all over it! Congrats again!

  • Emily November 7, 2011, 9:18 pm

    This post made me so happy and I loved how it was so you! Its so cute how you’ve put so much thought into making memories out of this!! Cannot wait to follow along your pregnancy and baby journey 🙂

  • Sandy November 7, 2011, 9:19 pm

    Congratulations!! I can’t wait to follow you, throughout your pregnancy as it will be right along with mine! I am pregnant again (after a loss) and am due at the end of June.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:53 am

      Good luck with your pregnancy!

  • Kari @ human, MD November 7, 2011, 9:22 pm

    I’m on OB right now, delivering babies every day. It’s overwhelmingly a wonderful experience for everyone involved! I was having a conversation with one of the high risk OB docs the other day, and he said that he would recommend his daughters deliver with a CNM. In fact, he (the guys who sees everything that can go wrong in pregnancy)would prefer if everyone who was healthy without obvious risks deliver with a CNM because it can be such a great experience! Good luck finding someone you’re happy with to guide you through your pregnancy! I’m so excited for you!!

  • Lauren November 7, 2011, 9:25 pm

    I can’t even get over the stills. Omg. So sweet.

  • Amanda (modernation) November 7, 2011, 9:26 pm

    Now, the important question – how are you going to the Girls on the Run girls?!! Kristien is SOOOO cute. I am so very happy for you both and you make me so excited to be pregnant (when the time is right). I can’t wait to go along for the ride.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:53 am

      I might just wait to tell them until next season when I’m showing – I feel like it’s weird to tell kids when you aren’t showing. Right?

  • Nat November 7, 2011, 9:27 pm

    CONGRATTTSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

  • Amanda November 7, 2011, 9:28 pm

    Congratulations!! I loved reading this post – it was so thoughtful and well-articulated. And the part about using Maggie’s urine as the control – absolutely priceless. hahaha

  • Luv What You Do November 7, 2011, 9:28 pm

    You are so creative with your big reveals and I love the hidden camera. It will be something special to share with him/her.

    Thanks for approaching the subject with such honesty!

  • Char November 7, 2011, 9:30 pm

    Congrats!! I loved this clever post and am so excited for you on this amazing journey!!

  • Lisa November 7, 2011, 9:31 pm

    You and your husband (and I’m sure your baby) are so freakin’ adorable! Congratulations to all of you. Your amazingly real and upbeat attitude will make your baby’s life wonderful.

  • Michelle November 7, 2011, 9:31 pm

    These images of you surprising K are so touching, I love the surprised look in his face 🙂

  • Sarah November 7, 2011, 9:35 pm

    Just curious if you were pregnant when you wrote this: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2011/09/planning-parenthood.html

    Or if it was right before?!

    • CaitlinHTP November 7, 2011, 9:36 pm

      It was one week before I got preggers! Three weeks before I knew. Crazy balls.

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats November 7, 2011, 9:37 pm

    Eeeeeeeep!!!!! I am SO happy for you!! I can’t wait to hear about the next 9 months 😉

  • Sarah @ w30 November 7, 2011, 9:39 pm

    Love this! Those stills are precious and I laughed really hard when you ask the Dr. if there is only one in there! HA!
    I especially love that you guys want to be surprised. Not that there is anything wrong with finding out, but I always thought the exact same thing – when are you ever going to have a bigger surprise? People always seem to think I’m crazy when I say I’d want to wait, but it seems so fun! And, either way, you have a squishy perfect little baby!
    Seriously happy for you! So, did you know when I sent you the virtual glass of wine? I would hate to have gotten you virtually intoxicated when you were already preggers! 😉

  • Chelsea November 7, 2011, 9:44 pm

    I’m so glad that you’re so real and choose to share everything <3 it just makes us feel that much deeper of a connection with knowing you as a "real" person rather than just someone we follow online.

  • *Andrea* November 7, 2011, 9:45 pm

    congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Ali November 7, 2011, 9:47 pm

    YAY!!! You and the hubby are so cute! I am so happy for the both of you!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence November 7, 2011, 9:49 pm

    Those stills are so precious, I LOVE them.

  • Gaby November 7, 2011, 9:59 pm

    I never thought I would be SO incredibly happy for two complete strangers (although I feel like I know you because of your blog)! Thanks for sharing such a life changing part of your life! CONGRATS! 🙂

  • Linz November 7, 2011, 10:02 pm

    OMG JUST READ BOTH YOUR POSTS FROM TODAY!! CONGRATULATIONS!! NOT ONLY ARE YOU GOING TO BE THE CUTEST PREGGO LADY EVER, THE WAY YOU TOLD EVERYONE IS UNBELIEVABLE! THIS IS NOT HELPING WITH MY BABY FEVER ITCH I GOT GOIN’ ON MYSELF! I HAVE TO GET JONNY A MIAMI ONESIE FOR WHEN OUR TIME COMES. sorry for the caps. SUPER STOKED FOR YOU!!! xoxo

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:51 am

      I love this comment. That is all!

  • Mary November 7, 2011, 10:03 pm

    Congratulations! Best wishes for an easy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I look forward to following along with your newest adventure. Also, good luck on the Father’s Day delivery. My first one was due on Father’s Day but decided to come a week early.

  • Anne November 7, 2011, 10:12 pm

    I am so excited for you!! Somehow, I knew earlier than when you posted it (even before the HINT HINT HINT post!) I know someone who used a midwife and really loved the experience (and now has 2 kids). She did a ton of research on what works. I can put you in touch with her if you want! (I wish she had a blog.)

  • Kath November 7, 2011, 10:13 pm

    Love the video stills!! So cute!

  • Suzanne November 7, 2011, 10:14 pm

    Congratulations! I don’t know how I missed the Bun in the Oven post. I can’t even imagine how excited you guys are!

  • Staci November 7, 2011, 10:16 pm

    I’ve been waaaaaiting for this post (and the announcement – so cute!). I’m ecstatic for you and the hus. I love the stills from the video … that may be the cutest thing ever. ENJOY this time. Its like none other!

  • emily November 7, 2011, 10:16 pm

    The video still are so freaking cute!!!!

    And I sort of love that you tested Maggie’s pee. I plan on getting knocked up around the time you give birth so please do keep us in the preggers loop so I know what to expect 🙂

  • Jen November 7, 2011, 10:18 pm

    This baby is so blessed.

    That picture of your Husband turning to you with an open mouth…well, it made me cry.

    Blessed. You are indeed.

  • Katie November 7, 2011, 10:20 pm

    Those pictures are so sweet! Congratulations – you two are going to be great parents!

  • Stephanie November 7, 2011, 10:40 pm

    I am a long time reader (rarely, if ever comment) but wanted to congratulate you on your life changing news! Being a parent is truly an amazing experience and it begins now! Be present and enjoy!Congratulations and best wishes!!

  • Carly November 7, 2011, 10:44 pm

    I am SO EXCITED for you guys! I love the photos of the husband’s response when you told him. 🙂 Congrats to you both!

  • Molly @ RDexposed November 7, 2011, 10:49 pm

    You totally melted my heart with this post!

  • janese November 7, 2011, 10:51 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I’m glad I’m not the only one who teared up at the cute pictures! And the picture of Maggie is hilarious! YAYYYYY BABY!

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com November 7, 2011, 10:58 pm

    I LOVED reading the wonderful moments on your pregnancy discovery and news!! So cute! Congrats once again!!!!!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed November 7, 2011, 11:05 pm

    Congrats congrats congrats! Soooo excited for you. Loooove the pics and love how you told everyone. You are SO cute and creative 😀

  • Jennifer November 7, 2011, 11:07 pm

    Did you give us any hints about the upcoming baby before this?! I’ve been trying to think of if you dropped any…CONGRATS

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:50 am

      One on Twitter but not really!

  • Jen November 7, 2011, 11:07 pm

    Had to share…I called my husband in here and showed him the 2nd & 3rd pics of you telling your hubby you’re preggers. I said to him “what do you think that guy was just told?” Within seconds he said “did his wife just tell him she’s pregnant?” Those are some photos that so perfectly portray the moment! Love them! (and my hubby says congrats as well!)

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:50 am

      Awwww thanks, you two!

  • Kristin November 7, 2011, 11:12 pm

    Aw, congratulations!!

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch November 7, 2011, 11:14 pm

    This is incredibly sweet!

  • Steph November 7, 2011, 11:34 pm

    I’m not much of an emotional crier but that last photo almost makes me tear up. Congratulations

  • Elisabeth November 7, 2011, 11:37 pm

    I’m so excited for both of you! I loved reading about Emily’s experiences recently & can’t wait to read about your’s, too. I think it’s great when bloggers share their ‘real life’ with all of us, not just the healthy living parts. Oh, and the stills from the video are adorable! Love the look on your faces in the 3rd one 🙂

  • Juniper November 7, 2011, 11:48 pm

    soooooooooooo happy for you!! 🙂 congratulations to you both! 🙂

  • Sammy November 8, 2011, 12:19 am

    Congratulations!!!!! You’re due on my birthday! 🙂

  • Lauren @ LaDolcePita November 8, 2011, 12:40 am

    Amazing!!!!!! So excited for you – I was so happy to read this 🙂

  • Carrie @ No More Tomorrows November 8, 2011, 12:52 am

    I have a horrible sense of smell. That’s how I knew I was pregnant. Burping, that’s a funny one.

    Regarding miscarriage, I don’t think its something anybody should pretend doesn’t happen but I’m also a big believer in not bringing negative energy into your pregnancy. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. And whatever happens deal with it at that moment. And on Facebook check out birth without fear. She’s a huge advocate of home birth but has resources and support for all parents regardless of how you choose to birth. She has been a huge help in healing my fears resulting from my son’s stillbirth and allowing me to prepare my self for future pregnancies.

    And again. Congrats.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:49 am

      Oh thanks for this resource!

  • Jen November 8, 2011, 12:53 am

    Holy cow…congratulations!!!!!!! What a wonderful Monday-brightener! I am SOO happy for you two – you are going to be amazing parents!

    Also, LOVE all of your announcements – to us and to the family…you obviously were prepared for this! 🙂

    (HUGS!)

    • Jen November 8, 2011, 12:55 am

      p.s. Would it kill you to raise him (or her) as a Kentucky fan? Hahahaha. 🙂

      • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:49 am

        He/she MUST be a miami fan!

        • Jen November 8, 2011, 11:37 pm

          Awww, well…there are a lot of super-cute “baby wildcat” outfits! Just sayin’…

          Also, UK sounds British! 🙂

          Again, SOOO excited for you!!! Baby clothes shopping is going to be so much fun (even if you don’t pick up the highly recommended Wildcat outfits)! 🙂

  • Khushboo November 8, 2011, 12:56 am

    Ahh I am so excited to follow your journey! Congrats again Caitlin!

  • Diane November 8, 2011, 1:26 am

    CONGRATULATIONS CAITLIN! I’ve been reading your blog for so long that this news truly makes me SO happy! Wishing you and the hubbie all the best on this next chapter of your journey together! =]

  • Marissa C November 8, 2011, 2:00 am

    Whoop again! I excitedly told my husband, “One of my favorite bloggers announced her pregnancy today.”

    He was like, “And?” At 36 weeks pregnant, nothing fazes him anymore 🙂 He found me on the couch Friday night hysterically crying at Damnyouautocorrect.com

    The only thing I’m bummed about…my baby will be here before I get to read all your pregnancy posts! I was looking forward to them!

    FWIW, we are doing a (hopefully) natural childbirth in a hospital with a CNM. So far, I think I’m going to get what I want. I’m definitely pro-natural birth. My 4 siblings were born at home! I may do that someday, but we couldn’t pass up the amazing insurance coverage a hospital birth provides (on my plan, at least!) If you end up deciding on a hospital birth with a CNM, I’d be happy to share my experience and what did/didn’t work for us, if you are interested.

    Finally…fair warning…I’ve found What to Expect (WTE) to be more like WTF sometimes. I didn’t buy the book but I get their weekly emails. Last week I got one about how to avoid stretch marks. At 35 weeks pregnant. Ummm…too little too late What To Expect. That ship has SAILED.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:48 am

      Yay 🙂 Congrats on your pregnancy. You’re almost there!

      I find WTE very WTF. I was terrified within 50 pages. Any better recs?

      • Marissa C November 8, 2011, 11:33 am

        Hmm…as far as the “Week-by-week” BabyCenter.com is a little better. I’ve never personally read it, but I’ve heard to stay away from “The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy” too. I don’t know of a *good* week-by-week book, though. Maybe someone else will be able to chime in?

        As far as good birthing books I’ve read/been recommended the following:

        Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth (not going to lie, though, I’m crunchy and some of this was REALLY intense, even for me!)

        The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Childbirth by Henci Goer

        I tried to get my husband to read “Husband Coached Childbirth” and he did read some, but we weren’t bowled over by it. It was an old edition from the 1980s, though.

        There was one book I read before I got pregnant that I LOVED, though–“Babycatcher” by Peggy Vincent. It’s not a how-to book, just her memoirs of years as a midwife. Fascinating and heartwarming. It is really informative too. I think you would really like it.

        I’ve actually got a lot of great info from blogs–I like Jenna’s (Thatwife’s) birth posts and I enjoy thefeministbreeder.com too!

        Good luck!

        • Marissa C November 8, 2011, 11:36 am

          Oh! And one more thing!!! “Pregtastic” podcasts…LOVE THEM. They aren’t always geared toward natural birth, but I think they do a fair job with all the topics and they are REALLY informative. Perfect for long car trips. My husband would always complain about them and then start listening and get interested!

          • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 12:13 pm

            Thanks for this, Marissa!!

  • Ciera @ Rose and Thistle November 8, 2011, 2:27 am

    Hadn’t noticed the secret hints in the first post – you guys are so creative & stealth! Massive congratulations to both of you!

    Also just wanted to say that I really respect your stance on telling people earlier and how people keep miscarriages so quiet… I also think we’re too quiet on that front, love your openness.

    Can’t wait to hear all about your pregnancy adventures and the arrival of the little one next year!

  • Dorien November 8, 2011, 2:59 am

    Waaaaaaaaauwww! Congratulations you two!!! I think it’s very cool you decided to tell early – and thank you for sharing!!!

  • Mish November 8, 2011, 3:06 am

    This is what you’ve wanted for so long. You’re gonna do great. Be gentle with yourself, your expectations, and know that you’re given this enoromous gift because you two are ready. The hubby’s face is priceless.

    Enjoy! xo

  • Julia November 8, 2011, 3:24 am

    I’m cracking up!!! Using Maggie to test the stick!!! *LMAO*

    Also love the video stills. Especially the second picture where the husband hast this HUGE question mark on his face. 🙂

    I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and I can’t wait to read all about it.

  • Kelly November 8, 2011, 3:30 am

    Congrats Caitlin!
    Can’t wait to “come along” for the ride!
    Wish Maggie was pregnant too, she would make the cutest puppies!

  • Kris November 8, 2011, 5:12 am

    I’ve never commented before (although have been a regular reader for a good while now) and I’m definitely not a child-person and generally find people’s news and stories about their babies and children quite tedious but this post really warmed my heart. I don’t even know you but I’m so happy for you both 🙂 Congratulations all the way from Europe!

    PS. I totally didn’t get the bun post, I was just thinking of making cinnamon buns myself next weekend 🙂 LOL!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:47 am

      The post made me hungry too 🙂 Thanks!

  • Lindsey Gail November 8, 2011, 5:58 am

    I wanted to say congratulations again, and also share the joy that you are having a June baby. I was born on Father’s Day weekend, and it’s always been very special to share my birthday and father’s day so closely. Also, I have a lot of very important people in my life who were also June babies: my father, my husband, my childhood best friend, my grandmother, etc.

    Here’s to your beautiful child!

  • LEM November 8, 2011, 6:22 am

    So excited for you! I also loved all the pictures!! What great memories to have for the future.

  • Danielle November 8, 2011, 6:52 am

    More tears after reading this post. I LOVE how you were able to get your husband’s reaction on video (and as still frames). It is such a moment to cherish and you (and your little one!) will have that memory forever. You were also super creative with how you told everyone! This is such a special time for you two, enjoy every minute of it! xoxox

  • Catherine November 8, 2011, 7:06 am

    YAAAY! I’m also pregnant with my first and he/she is due June 7th 🙂 So close! From the start, I also had the “feeling” that it was a boy, yet I recently dreamt of holding a baby girl… I’m confused! You guys are going to be great parents. I can’t wait to read about your pregnancy journey!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:47 am

      Congrats!!!!

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) November 8, 2011, 7:07 am

    Again, congrats to you both! My husband and I are 14 weeks pregnant and we told people we were pregnant at just 5 weeks. We went through SO much to even get pregnant (think shots, shots and more shots and eventually IVF) so when we got the news we had to scream it from the rooftops. Also, I really appreciate your perspective on miscarriage. I wrote a little about this on my blog but I was pregnant with twins and at 7 weeks miscarried one baby. It was crazy to feel so sad yet so happy/thankful to still be pregnant. Anyways, I am so thrilled for you and excited to follow your journey!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:46 am

      I can’t believe you miscarried one twin and not the other – I didn’t even know that was possible. So sad but such an incredible blessing!

  • Jayhawk Jen November 8, 2011, 7:11 am

    Congratulations to both of you! Your announcement was one of the most clever posts I have ever seen! I think you will be amazing parents… have fun!

  • Sarah Rigs November 8, 2011, 7:15 am

    Personally I hope you are a few days early – my birthday is June 10th! Also, I don’t know if you have thought about this, but having a June birthday is AWESOME. Why? Because you get presents every 6 months! Nice and spaced out. 😀

    Congrats, I’m so happy for you!!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:46 am

      Nice 🙂 At first I was disappointed for my summer baby (don’t get to celebrate at school) but this makes me feel better about it.

  • Amy November 8, 2011, 7:23 am

    Sooooo so so very happy for you.

    I love that you captured all those moments too.

    I got a little teary seeing the expression on your hubby’s face. So genuine! 🙂

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy November 8, 2011, 7:30 am

    Oh my goodness! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you guys!

  • Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl November 8, 2011, 7:36 am

    I’m so happy for you guys! Having a baby is very exciting and scary. Can’t wait to hear more about your pregnancy journey!! 🙂 Congrats Again!

  • Michele Albert November 8, 2011, 7:49 am

    Congratulations! Wishing you a healthy baby, an easy pregnancy and an even easier delivery!

  • Jamie @ FoodinRealLife November 8, 2011, 7:59 am

    Those cheapie pregnancy tests are the best (and also the worst) things ever. I used them like a madwoman. I had a similar experience to you where I discarded the test only to see a really faint line about 10 min later. BEST.FEELING.EVER.

    Oh and burping is totally one of my main pregnancy symptoms. It’s gross but I guess it’s better than farting all the time 🙂 Pregnancy is quite the interesting journey!

  • Amy November 8, 2011, 8:07 am

    My husband didn’t believe me at all — I had to get a test that said “pregnant/not pregnant” in order to prove I was pregnant. Then he was just in awe/shock!!! It was highly entertaining for me!!!

    Congratulations!

  • Cinemarie November 8, 2011, 8:10 am

    OMG! Your pictures of you announcing the news to your husband had me tear up – so beautiful! Thanks for sharing this precious moment with us!

    I had a home birth 13 months ago and loved it. If you want to go with as little intervention as possible, I would strongly recommend you look into hypno birthing. Everybody is looking at me funny when I mention I used hypno birthing, but trust me – it works, and it’s not ‘cooky’ at all:) To be honest, it’s just putting into a method all sorts of things you already do to calm yourself and focus…
    I gave birth with confidence that all was going to be ok, I was calm and comfortable the whole time.

    I think the most important thing in all this is to not be scared. Your body was made for this and it will do it’s job no problem. If you stay confident and trust that all will be good, it will!! You are taking very good care of it, you are healthy – of course all will go well. You will have an incredible experience and will remember those months and that day with a smile for the rest of your life. Enjoy!!! 🙂

    I am beyond happy and excited for you guys – EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! 🙂

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    oh, and if you can still sleep at night – please take advantage of it now!!!! LOL 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:45 am

      My friend did Hypnobirth and I am definitely going to do it too. Our perception matters so much!

  • rachael November 8, 2011, 8:14 am

    Congrats!!! So excited to follow you on this amazing journey.

    I recently delivered my second with a CNM at a small baby-friendly certified hospital, since a homebirth ended up being ruled out and there are no birth centers within a reasonable distance from my house. It was a great experience (and VERY different from my first at a large hospital with a conventional OB). I would totally recommend a baby-friendly hospital (it’s a WHO designation) if you can’t have a home or birth-center birth. In any case, best wishes for a healthy baby and a wonderful natural birth!

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:44 am

      Never heard of this baby-friendly hospital designation – off to investigation!

      • Marissa C November 8, 2011, 11:25 am

        Just an FYI, Baby-Friendly is awesome, but not everything. It has to do more with breastfeeding than anything else. Ironically, some of the Baby-Friendly hospitals in my area are not the ones you would want to go to for a natural birth. The hospital I’m delivering at is known as one of the best in Dallas for a natural birth, but isn’t “Baby Friendly” because they aren’t willing to stop giving out formula as it is downtown and they partially serve a poorer population.

  • Daphne November 8, 2011, 8:14 am

    Congratulations!

    I’m SO happy for you guys! You’re going to be amazing parents! 🙂

    All the best to you from Germany 🙂

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd November 8, 2011, 8:14 am

    Omg I total shed tears at the stills from when you told your husband. Cutest thing ever. Make like 983923 copies of that thing bc you can NEVER lose it. PRICELESS!

  • Justy2003 November 8, 2011, 8:17 am

    CONGRATS!!! I loved your announcement post as well as this one…so cute and creative. And the stills from that video are absolutely adorable. Can’t wait to read all about your journey. Congratulations again!

  • Selena November 8, 2011, 8:19 am

    Not sure you’ll really read all of these and I doubt my comment will really make a difference since hey you don’t know me. But, my suggestions would be a Nurse Midwife at a Birth Center. I have 3 girls, the first was born at the hospital with intentions of going natural, but the fear of the unknown and the fact that hospitals pretty much expect a woman to be monitored and have an epidural pushed me over the edge and I did have an epi. It was a wonderful, peaceful birth. However, the two others were born in a birth center with a midwife and if I have my first to do over again I’d choose the birth center in a second. It was just so warm, comfortable and loving there. I felt like I was at home. And giving birth with no meds were the two most empowering things I’ve done. It is amazing. Anyway, check out that option.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:43 am

      Of course I read all the comments!

      I am going on a tour of the birth center on Friday and am very excited. Comments like this make me even more excited!

  • Emily November 8, 2011, 8:23 am

    Wow. What an awesome story, I am very happy for you guys. Plus, holy cuteness (all the pictures of you guys telling people). How cute!

  • Jen November 8, 2011, 8:30 am

    WOW Caitlin, congratulations to you both! What a special and exciting time in your lives. The stills from when you told Kristien are priceless. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂

  • Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count November 8, 2011, 8:38 am

    This is such good news!!

  • Laura November 8, 2011, 8:41 am

    This post is hysterical, especially the pic of Maggie peeing in a cup!!! Congrats:)

  • Janie November 8, 2011, 8:43 am

    those pictures are awesome. i’m so excited for you 🙂 xoxo

  • Sarah November 8, 2011, 8:56 am

    Those stills are so precious. It’s amazing to see how much you guys love each other. You’re baby is very lucky.

  • Heather November 8, 2011, 9:06 am

    Go with your gut. I kept saying they before I got the first ultasound and sure enough, I had twins. As soon as I read the other post, I thought boy, Im glad your gut is saying the same thing.

  • Laurie November 8, 2011, 9:10 am

    So happy for you guys!!! Congrats again!

  • Lindsay @ Schnoodle Soup November 8, 2011, 9:18 am

    I am so gosh darn happy for you guys. Yay, yay, yay!

  • Jenny November 8, 2011, 9:19 am

    Congratulations! Love the story & announcement 🙂

  • Mary November 8, 2011, 9:31 am

    Oh em gee you guys are so freaking cute. CONGRATULATIONS!

  • Sara November 8, 2011, 9:37 am

    Can’t wait to follow along. When I found out (I read your blog at work usually) I emailed my husband and said “Caitlin is pregnant!” and he said “You mean from Healthy Tipping Point?” Yay! He knew! 🙂 So happy for you 🙂 Hope you continue to have success. I’m sure it is natural to be scared. I’m scared–but I’d also like to be pregnant RIGHT NOW. But since it’s not financially feasible, we’re waiting a year or so until we can pay off some debt. I am excited to follow along with you and learn more before my time.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:42 am

      Aw that is really sweet 🙂 I think paying down debt is smart… that’s what we did (and had baby fever the whole time) and now i feel like it was worth it.

  • Jenny November 8, 2011, 9:39 am

    Congratulations! Your announcement completely went over my head, but what a fun and clever way to do it!

    You and you’ll husband will be wonderful parents.

  • Alaina November 8, 2011, 9:40 am

    I seriously shed some tears when I saw those pictures of you and your husband. So adorable!! Congratulations again!!

  • Anne @strawberryjampackedlife November 8, 2011, 9:41 am

    My husband was the one who noticed the “missing egg”. He also wants to know if that’s the face that your husband makes when you’re “playing” (5th picture down in the announcement post).

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 9:42 am

      Hahah. Ummmm. Sometimes?

  • Jessica November 8, 2011, 10:07 am

    The expressions on Kristien and your faces are priceless, so genuinely excited and happy. Even though I don’t “really” know you, I am SO excited for you, you guys will be wonderful parents!

    I had my daughter last June (on the 5th, which amazingly was also my 25th birthday!) and having a baby in the summer is so great. You don’t have to worry as much about sicknesses and they can just wear cute dresses and onesies without being cold!

  • Howdy from NYC November 8, 2011, 10:11 am

    What a beautiful post! Your emotions and excitement are shining, and I’m so happy for you. 🙂

  • Kim November 8, 2011, 10:12 am

    Congratulations! So happy for you. And those pictures from your video are so adorable.

  • Anne Weber-Falk November 8, 2011, 10:13 am

    I love your still photos. They are beautiful. Brings back so many thoughts and memories to me.

  • Stacey @ Here's to Life November 8, 2011, 10:14 am

    Congratulations!!! I defaulted to saying “he” all the time as well and we just found we’re having a boy! So, you just might be right!

    Great job on the exercise! I started off okay, then was really good for a few months and ever since I hit about 19 weeks I’ve had a hard time finding the motivation. I’ll be looking forward to your posts for inspiration! One of my ‘Baby List’ items is to keep doing yoga and cardio throughout this crazy process!

    Congratulations, again!

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D. November 8, 2011, 10:18 am

    I blogged about my miscarriages and it was the most therapeutic thing I could have done. To me it was much harder to have to explain to people why I was so depressed because I had to explain that I was pregnant and had a miscarriage. Much easier when they knew all along. Anyways, so happy for you guys and cannot wait to meet BabyHTP!

  • colleen November 8, 2011, 10:21 am

    Love that you used Maggie as a control! Also love the still shots from your video! Husband’s expressions are precious

  • Tara November 8, 2011, 10:35 am

    Congratulations, Caitlin!! I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now and am so excited for you. Our son was born just 11 days ago and it’s amazing. Every day is pure joy having a family and the lack of sleep doesn’t even bother me when I get to get up in the middle of the night with the little guy. I look forward to following your pregnancy journey. Have fun!!

  • Tracy November 8, 2011, 10:51 am

    Tear…drops of joy.

  • Rachel http://foodfashionfaith.blogspot.com/ November 8, 2011, 11:00 am

    Please PLEASE tell us about your pregnancy. Don’t exclude it just beacuse the “type” of blog this is.

    • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 11:02 am

      I will. The blog format is going to transition anyway – there’s no way it can stay exactly the same!

    • Jessica November 8, 2011, 11:08 am

      Agreed! I need to live vicariously through other people’s pregnancies/new babies because my little one is growing SO fast!

  • Jessica November 8, 2011, 11:14 am

    There’s some sort of birthing center in SC. You’ve probably already seen it online or looked it up. I don’t know specifics, so I’m not very helpful. I just know it exists b/c I work at an ENT clinic, so we see a lot of newborn babies that were born there and need their newborn hearing screening. That’s all I really know about it. Hope that helps!

    • Jessica November 8, 2011, 11:28 am

      PS- I would love to know how long it took you to get pregnant, when you started trying, why you decided now, etc, if that’s not too personal. Unless you already talked about it and I missed it!

      • CaitlinHTP November 8, 2011, 12:13 pm

        We went off BC in August and gave it one half-hearted try and one serious try before getting pregnant. We have paid off our realistic debts and it just seemed like the right time!

  • Krissy @ Shiawase Life November 8, 2011, 11:54 am

    Great series of posts! Congrats 🙂

  • Kami November 8, 2011, 12:03 pm

    Congratulations. The third picture of you and your husband is so adorable I got teary at my desk.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie November 8, 2011, 12:09 pm

    I’m twelve weeks preg and waited til last week to announce but so many people already guessed it! I can’t hide my morning sickness, tiredness and lack of activity very well!

    This is my second pregnancy too and with both I had trouble keeping the secret.

    I’ve lost 8 pounds so far and it doesn’t seem to be stopping. I get so sick though!

  • kathleen November 8, 2011, 12:11 pm

    Congrats. Miscarriage can happen at any time. I don’t know a woman who hasn’t dealt with death while trying to get pregnant, have more kids, etc. Good to see that you acknowledge it. I feel like the doctor’s kind of downplay how much it actually happens.

  • YummySushiPjs November 8, 2011, 12:14 pm

    BWAH! I am so happy for you guys. The video stills made me all weepy with happiness! Man… when I was pregnant I became a championship burper, and I could never burp before even if I wanted to. It sounds like you’re doing everything right, which I am so not surprised by. You guys are smart people who clearly love each other, and you did a lot of homework. I can’t wait to see that baby bump grow! You are going to be a perfect mommy.

  • Ashley @ Good Taste Healthy Me November 8, 2011, 12:15 pm

    ahhhhhhh crazy! So incredibly adorable. I absolutely love the stills. His face is so priceless. It definitely brought tears to my eyes!

  • Maria Orand November 8, 2011, 12:40 pm

    I AM SO EXCITED!! I started crying when I read the post. Congratulations to all 4 of you. I have 4 boys and never puked. I would just get that quesy feeling.

  • Christina November 8, 2011, 1:13 pm

    This is so funny! i have to confess…i went back and found all the clues!!! funny i didnt see them yesterday! i wanted to say again Congratulations!! i too called my first pregnancy belly HE all the time…without thinking…and my son Trevor was born..its an amazing feeling! i also have a daughter, Jr is 15 and Trova is 12-13 in January. I am very true to myself when it comes to my kids, yes i might embarrass them a bit with my singing or running man dance but i think as long as you dont change who u are, you will be a wonderful mom!! and the hus will be a wonderful dad!!!
    christina..

  • Amber K November 8, 2011, 1:17 pm

    Still so excited for you! I love all of the ideas you had in telling everyone. Next time I get pregnant though I think I’m going to wait a good long while before telling anyone.

    I had a miscarriage a few years ago and it was so hard. I had found out at six weeks and told everyone I knew. It was one week later that I found out I miscarried. It led to some awkward conversations at Thanksgiving dinner (apparently good news spreads around more easily than bad news?) since everyone knew about the pregnancy, but apparently not everyone knew about the miscarriage.

  • Lauren @ Focused 2 Be Fit November 8, 2011, 1:19 pm

    This is the cutest post, ever! Such a good idea to use the video camera. Love, love, love!!!

  • Brigid November 8, 2011, 1:40 pm

    I’m so excited to read about your pregnancy and birth! As a fellow vegetarian (and 27-year-old, holla!) who wants a natural birth, too, I can’t wait to see how you make it all work. I’m not quite to the TTC phase yet, but I can’t wait to be a mom. Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

  • Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile November 8, 2011, 1:58 pm

    Those pictures are priceless!! congrats again sosososo exciting 😀

  • Nikky November 8, 2011, 2:40 pm

    Haha, I had fully planned on the whole secret video tape and everything when I finally got to tell the fiance. We’d been kind-of-but-not trying for a few months, and I have PCOS so we knew it was kind of a long shot, but he was way looking forward to it.

    When I finally started to suspect I was pregnant (missed period didn’t even register, since the PCOS makes them so irregular, but all of a sudden all I wanted was SLEEP, and oh man were my boobs sore), I decided to take a test at about 2 am. My planned out, super sentimental reveal turned into me stumbling into our room and blankly shoving the test at him without a word. Yea, I’m smooth.

    Those stills are seriously so sweet I kinda teared up a little. Squee!! 🙂

  • Nicole N. November 8, 2011, 3:05 pm

    I am so incredibly excited for you! I can’t wait to hear about your journey through pregnancy and parenthood! If you haven’t discovered it yet mothering.com is a very crunchy site with really helpful forums. They have a due date group for each month and there is also a section called “finding your tribe” where you could find information or ask questions about your specific geographic location as well as tons of other great pregnancy and parenting information.
    Congratulations!!!!

  • caitlin November 8, 2011, 3:34 pm

    congrats hun!

  • Kathy November 8, 2011, 3:51 pm

    So many congratulations to both of you. Such an exciting time. But, take it from a mom who has been there (2x), don’t worry about any of the stuff you mentioned. Really!! All will work out perfectly. You will have good times, you will have bad times, some will be hard, some will be fun, stressful, crazy and all matter of emotions, but they will ALL work out. Just relax and truly enjoy everything along the way. You are blessed and I wish you all the best!!

  • Michelle November 8, 2011, 3:53 pm

    Well, another option is to look at DEMs in SC. I lived near Spartanburg two years ago and actually interviewed a few NC midwives (underground ones, yeah) that were willing to travel. I can put you in touch with some in SC that may be willing, if you were interested. Otherwise, the MW in a birthing center is the BEST of both worlds. I’m on #5, myself. Oh, and PLEASE ditch the “What to Expect” book – it’s heinously stupid and wrong, wrong, wrong. 🙂

  • Kelly @foodiefresh November 8, 2011, 4:51 pm

    Maybe when I have a baby someday, Rascal and Maggie and James can all go to group therapy together. 🙂

    I can’t wait to have another mom-to-be blog to read because I’m baby crazy.

  • Krista November 8, 2011, 5:16 pm

    Happy tears for you!

  • Caroline Leigh November 8, 2011, 6:21 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS Caitlin!!! (or as my bff and i call you, “htp”)

    this post made tear up in caribou coffee. i’m here supposed to be doing work, but needed to catch up on your blog…and i’m so happy for you! those stills from telling the huz seriously got to me.

    seriously happy for you!!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2011, 6:46 pm

      Aww thank you so much!

  • Kathryn November 8, 2011, 7:41 pm

    congrats!!!!! I seriously starting crying at this point–so happy for you guys!! (30 wks pregnant myself so I think some hormones may have added to the reaction haha). You guys will be amazing parents and I cant to read all about it!!

  • Athena @ Fitness & Feta November 8, 2011, 10:37 pm

    Great post, and REALLY creative ways to tell everyone! Congratulations!

  • Nikka November 9, 2011, 12:37 am

    All the love in the world to you, your hun & your cinnabun!

    Oh so excited to follow you on this new adventure!

    CONGRATUFREAKINGLATIONS!!!!!

  • Lauren November 9, 2011, 2:13 am

    Congratulations!!!! So happy for you!!! It’s such an amazing and special time! Enjoy it 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing! All happiness and blessings, from Cape Town, South Africa 🙂

  • Sarah November 9, 2011, 5:47 am

    How exciting! Congrats to you two!

  • Justine November 9, 2011, 7:59 am

    Read this on a bus to NYC and exclaimed out loud, much to the chagrin of the other passengers…turned over to my friend and said, “Wow. I think this is a wake-up call, I need to get my life together! Caitlin’s having a kid!”

    I turned 26 years old today, and I am going to make a strong commitment to eat more veggies and exercise on a consistent basis. I’ve made some good baby steps in the past few months, and now I think I’m ready to leap forward : ) Not least because I have extreme baby fever and I want to go back to my college size before DH and I start doing the dance : ), about 25 pounds or so.

    I am SO happy for you and Kristien. The pictures are so sweet and I know you’ll cherish them years down the road. I wish you a healthy pregnancy…I’m super excited to read your pregnancy posts! Thank you for sharing your life with your readers!

  • Brittney @ Brittney Breathing November 9, 2011, 8:39 am

    The stills from the video are so sweet! Love it.

  • Pamela | Girl Gone West November 9, 2011, 9:49 am

    I gotta be honest, Caitlin. When you announced you were pregnant, I was kinda upset. I’m pretty firmly anti-baby (I’m 24, I think that’s okay right now), and I was sort of devastated that one of my favorite bloggers was going off the baby deep end.

    Reading this reassures me that you’re going to remain fascinating, honest, and engaging throughout this process. Who knows – maybe you’ll change my mind about it all. 🙂 Either way, I wish you nothing but health, happiness, and humor. 🙂

  • Sami November 9, 2011, 9:52 am

    I’m thrilled for you Caitlin!! I can’t wait to follow your pregancy journey! Awesome ideas on how to tell the hubs & your Mom!

  • Paj November 9, 2011, 11:07 am

    Congrats! Love the still photos – so simple and heartwarming.

  • Lisa November 9, 2011, 1:20 pm

    So happy for you Caitlin! I can relate to how you are feeling! i am 8 weeks pregnant myself. (due 6/19) we also saw our new baby’s heartbeat for the first time on Friday (11/4). i’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I’m excited that i get to experience this ‘with you’!! i also had a similar plan of telling my husband by presenting him with a onesie i had purchased some time ago. Instead, i ended up blurting it out in a teary mess (with no onesie presented). oh well, next time, right? 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP November 9, 2011, 4:18 pm

      Congrats! I am so happy for you too!

  • Joanna @ things after the rings November 9, 2011, 2:09 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! I’m so happy for you. This news made me smile this morning and immediately text my friend and fellow reader “HTP is pregnant!!” Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

    I absolutely love the stills from the video. They are so sweet and filled with joy, surprise, and love and I know you’ll cherish them forever.

    • CaitlinHTP November 9, 2011, 4:20 pm

      Thank you for sharing in our joy 🙂

  • Jes November 9, 2011, 5:30 pm

    Oh I love this post!!! Congratulations!!

  • Dominique November 9, 2011, 11:06 pm

    I love this post. Though Sean and I have no immediate plans for kids, I love reading about other couples’ journeys with children. I absolutely love the video stills–the last still made me tear up a little.

  • Sarah November 10, 2011, 1:06 am

    Congratulations!!!! Best news ever! Oh my gosh, I’m so excited for you!!! Wow, awesome news. xxxx

  • Ryan M. November 10, 2011, 9:02 am

    Wooo!! I love it! And I completely teared up looking at the shots from when you told your husband. Amazing!

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats November 10, 2011, 8:59 pm

    This is one of my favorite posts of yours! I love all the creative ways of telling everyone about your pregnancy! 🙂 Can’t wait to follow along with the journey of Baby HTP!

  • Ali November 11, 2011, 3:57 pm

    How creative! I love the wrapping of the silverware with a onesie 🙂 I gave my mom and shirt that said “Worlds Best Grandma” LOL! I made i out of puffy paint. Classy right??

  • Sophie @ threetimesf November 12, 2011, 6:48 pm

    AAAAAAHHHHH CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m only just catching up on this week’s posts, but am so happy to read this! I love the idea of filming the ‘reveal’ and the stills – so cute 😀

  • Michele @ Within Reach November 12, 2011, 8:37 pm

    I’ve been absent for a while and just saw your big news this evening. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I know you’re super excited. Really, sincere congratulations!

  • Dean November 12, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Aww those stills are priceless. Can’t wait to read about this journey with you guys. Sounds like you are going to have (even more) a lot on your plate in the coming year(s) but I’m sure all the hard work will be worth it.

  • jassy @ Healthy Egg November 13, 2011, 4:39 am

    congratulations!!! 🙂 i am happy for you. been following your blog and thought if you’d have plans to have a baby…so happy for you. is this part of your plan? why didn’t you have a baby even before? 🙂

    • Caitlin November 13, 2011, 1:06 pm

      We tried to pay off all of our non-student debt first! So we’re finally at a good place, financially. 🙂

  • Sarah November 13, 2011, 11:27 pm

    Congratulations!!!

    I just teared up reading this and seeing the pictures from when you told your husband. His face was priceless!

    I am so happy for you both!

    XO

  • Carla in Sydney November 22, 2011, 9:03 pm

    I know I am soooo late but a big belated CONGRATS to you both!!! I absolutely love the look on both of your faces when you told your husband….WOW!!! PS: I love your creativeness too! xxx

  • ash November 30, 2011, 2:20 pm

    congratulations!!!!

  • Megan @ Newly Wife December 12, 2011, 4:33 pm

    I love the stills of the video. So sweet! And what a fabulous idea!

  • Valerie December 28, 2011, 12:08 am

    Congrats on your baby. I just happened to stumble upon your blog and read all your posts on bcp. I found it to be very informative. My question is this (if it isn’t too personal to ask) – when did you stop taking birth controll pills before trying to conceive? My husband and I are thinking about having a baby in the near future. I know every woman is different but I just thought I would ask.

    • CaitlinHTP December 28, 2011, 10:40 am

      I stopped 5 months before conceiving but didn’t try until the month we conceived.

      GL!

  • emily January 4, 2012, 1:45 pm

    Congrats caitlyn! I know I am late, but I saw u mentioned using an ovulation calculator. Did you actually take your temps or did you use one of those calculators online? Just curious how accurate those online calculators are. Thanks and best of luck!

    • Caitlin January 4, 2012, 2:06 pm

      I used an online calc!

  • Linda January 31, 2012, 2:07 pm

    Hello and congratulations! I just want to suggest the forums at Mothering.com for information and support for natural pregnancy and birth. You might be able to find some resources specifically for your area there.

  • Ashley February 8, 2012, 9:25 am

    I’m so late with this but CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so excited and happy for you guys! And LOVE that you videotaped telling your husband! What a great memory to have.

  • april January 15, 2014, 12:41 pm

    Hello!

    I’ve been reading some of your posts and might have missed one that explained this..but, I saw in your birth control posts that you were nervous you had been on BC too long. When you eventually stopped taking it, how long did it take you to get pregnant? I’ve been on it 7 years and my husband and I want to try to have a baby in the next couple years, but I’m nervous it will take me forever since I’ve been on it so long. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience! Thank you!

    • Caitlin January 15, 2014, 4:04 pm

      We got pregnant pretty much immediately! I think it just varies a lot.

  • Heather June 11, 2014, 4:51 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I have been reading your blog for Ages and finally find myself pregnant. I was wondering if you had Any ideas for protein packed snacks that are meat free. My dr just said I should be eating 70g and I need to load up. Thanks for your help!

    • Caitlin June 11, 2014, 5:14 pm

      Congrats 🙂 Here are some:

      Eggs – hardboiled are great for snacking
      Sunflower seeds – 7 grams in a 1/4 cup
      Add extra nut butter to smoothies
      Lentils – Can be added to salads, stir-fries, etc

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