Some people say the second trimester starts at Week 12, others at Week 13, and still more at Week 14.  I’m going with the middle number – Week 13 – and am so happy to be here!

13 weeks2

So happy, in fact, that the occasion called for a duck face.

 

Let’s compare a very early picture – 4 weeks, 5 days – to today’s. 

4 Weeks 5 Days 13 weeks

Maybe a teeny tiny difference over the last two months or so?  Not significant, of course, but I expected that.  After all, I’ve only gained five pounds in total, and BabyHTP is only the size of peach.  In another month or so, I’m really hopin’ to have a legit bump.  I’m looking forward to it… but my mini bump is fun for now!

 

Here’s what BabyHTP is up to this week, besides making me very happy: “Fingerprints have formed on your baby’s tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you’re having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce.” (Source

 

I’m feeling pretty good, physically and emotionally, this week.  I’m not as exhausted (relatively) as I was three or four weeks ago.  Absolutely no morning sickness – by some miracle, I never puked throughout the entire first trimester.  I also don’t feel like crying or screaming at the drop of a hat.  And last, but not least, baby bloat has gone away – I can wear my favorite jeans again without a maternity band!

13 weeks1

What’s been on our mind this week?  Well, the Husband and I have decided to kick James out of the bed.  I’ve written before that I love sleeping with the dogs, but in the last few months, James has become a terrible sleeper.  Maggie never moves – she’s like a snoring sack of potatoes – but he gets in and out of bed constantly.  He’s been waking us up an average of 2 – 3 times a night; it’s just not working anymore.  When the baby comes, we can’t be woken up every hour by both of them.  So it’s time for a change.

 

Remember when I mentioned that we’ve been watching lots of Supernanny lately?  The Hus and I have very little childcare experience (like zero), so Supernanny is teaching us the basics of discipline and positive reinforcement.  It sounds cheesy, but I can’t believe I’ve learned so much for a reality show!

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One of the Supernanny’s techniques for getting young children to sleep in their own beds is the Sleep Separation Technique.  Basically, you put the kid in their own bed, tell them to stay there, turn off the light, and then sit on the floor of the bed, facing the door.  When they get out, you wordlessly put them back in.  Over and over again.  Supernanny has taught me that the most important thing for a child is consistency.  You can’t tell them not to do something and then give in after 5 minutes… all they will learn is that it takes 5 minutes to break you down. 

 

OK – so what does Supernanny have to do with James sleeping in our bed?  I know you can’t apply children psychology to dogs, but the Sleep Separate Technique showed me that we had to decide where we want James to sleep and then never, ever give in again.  After much discussion, we decided to let him sleep in the guest bedroom in the guest bed, as he’ll inevitably bark out the front window in the living room.  Last night, the Husband tucked James in the guest bed, stayed next to him until he fell asleep, and then quietly snuck out. 

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James didn’t wake up and realize what had happened until 4:30 AM.   And we just laid in our bed, listening to him softly cry.  The Husband wanted to go get him at one point (I think he was concerned James would start to bark and annoy our neighbor), but since he was crying so softly that I knew she wouldn’t hear, I said, “NO! Didn’t the Supernanny teach you anything?!  If we give in now, it will take a week to break him of this habit, but if we hold out now, it might only take two nights!”  James softly cried for an hour and a half (and Maggie freaked out in our bed because she was upset by the separation, too)… Ugh.  It was rough.  We held firm!

 

The lesson of Week 13 – we can actually apply discipline to the dogs, and hopefully, we’ll be able to do it with our kid, too.  Honestly, the technique was not easy, especially when we’re used to being pushovers!  But James is extremely independent, and I know he’ll be okay with it in a night or two – I actually think he will enjoy having a bed to himself when he gets used to it (he gets in and out of our bed because he’s hot or uncomfortable).  Anyway, the experience gives me parental confidence and hope

 

Here’s the rest of Week 13, neatly summarized in bullet form:

 

  • Total Weight Gained:  5 pounds overall
  • Workouts:  Stuck to my goal to exercise three times a week and ran about 9 miles.  Wahoo!
  • Current Cravings:  Grilled cheese with sharp cheddar (indulging the craving).  A huge glass of red wine (not indulging).
  • Current Aversions: None.
  • Baby Items Bought:  Two maternity sweaters from Target (no need to wear now, but stocking up), as well as two baby onesies.  One has the English flag on the front, and the other one says, “British and good lookin’ – Oh, where will it end?” 
  • Sex Prediction:  I continue to call the baby a “he” but I’m beginning to realized that’s just because I don’t want to call BabyHTP an “it." This week, I feel like he could be a she.  Honestly, I have no clue. It’s fun to guess, though!
  • Deep Thought:  If the baby is a girl, 1/2 of my future granddaughter or grandson is currently inside my womb (because the baby’s eggs are developed).  Weird.
  • Biggest Irritation:  When people tell me, “Oh, you’re pregnant?  Enjoy sex/sleeping/money/travel/writing now because you’ll never have time to do it again.”  I just smile politely and visualize socking them in the gut.  Do. Not. Say. This. To. A. Pregnant. Woman.  Ever.  Even if it’s a little true.

 

Catching up?

{ 138 comments }

 

  • Anna December 7, 2011, 11:54 am

    Seeing how you handled James…you are going to be such great parents!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb December 7, 2011, 11:58 am

    yay! so happy you are out of the anxiety inducing first trimester… and that you are feeling so well. i definitely see a cute little bump 🙂

  • Meghan @ carmanclan December 7, 2011, 11:59 am

    I feel for you with James crying! We have a puppy we got in June at 4.5 months old and the first few months (and randomly) were rough with her crying and howling in her crate. Our older dog is allowed to sleep wherever, but he has taken to going back and sleeping in his crate to calm her down. It is really cute.

    And I hate when people say “Your life is going to change after the baby comes”. I just want to say thank you captain obvious!

    You are lucky you had no morning sickness, I was so sick the first few weeks I couldn’t keep anything down and ended up crying all the time because I was miserable. Other than that my hormones are in check, my hubby calls me ice queen 🙂

  • Lauren December 7, 2011, 12:01 pm

    you look absolutely beautiful

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:24 pm

      @Lauren: Thank you Lauren! This comment made my day.

  • Army Amy* December 7, 2011, 12:03 pm

    Clear and consistent limits! I’m a teacher, and this semester I’ve been mentoring a student teacher. The big thing I’m hoping to help teach him is exactly what you described: clear and consistent limits!*

  • Jamie December 7, 2011, 12:03 pm

    Your life will change but there will still be sleep, sex, travel, and time to work- you just have to manage those things differently. The first year or so, I didn’t sleep all night, but I sleep fine now that my son is older. The one thing that will become impossible is sleeping in very late but I doubt you spend a lot of mornings in bed anyways.

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine December 7, 2011, 12:04 pm

    Look how cute your belly is. 🙂 What an exciting time!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat December 7, 2011, 12:04 pm

    I am such a pushover when it comes to my dog, I don’t know if I could do it either! Stay strong 😉

  • Ally December 7, 2011, 12:07 pm

    Have you thought about a doggy bed on the floor of your room instead? He might be anxious of being locked in another room. Sometimes dogs see being separated from their owners in that way as a punishment (especially if your other dog still sleeps in your room).

    Just a suggestion! I’m sure you’ve given it plenty of thought, but it might be easier to teach him “down” and “go to your bed” when he jumps on your bed, vs. getting used to sleeping alone in another room.

    • Kate December 7, 2011, 12:16 pm

      I think this is a great idea! Dogs are pack animals. Being separated in another room from the rest of the pack (you, husband and the other dog), would be very upsetting and stressful for him.

      Not saying you should let him back in your bed, but I think a doggy bed in the room somewhere would be a much better option.

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:23 pm

      @Ally: We tried that but he would wait until we were asleep and jump back in bed!!! LOL Then we would wake up and he’d be there. Any suggestions on keeping them down when you’re sleeping?

      • Liz December 7, 2011, 12:29 pm

        @CaitlinHTP:

        Do the same thing Super Nanny said to do. If he gets out of the doggie bed and gets in your’s, then take him off the bed and put him back in his doggie bed. He will figure it out soon enough.

        I too think it’s mean to separate him from the other dog.

        • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:32 pm

          @Liz: But what if we don’t KNOW he’s on the bed and then we push him off like three hours later? Will he connect the dots?

          • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa December 7, 2011, 1:01 pm

            @CaitlinHTP: Could you have both of the dogs sleep in the guestroom? That way they will at least have each other..

          • Nina December 7, 2011, 1:02 pm

            @CaitlinHTP: We did this with our two dogs about 6 months ago and now they prefer their dog beds. Maybe try training him during the day? Lay on your bed and see how long it takes him to get up there and then put him back in his bed. I’m not sure if that will work or not. We didn’t seem to have that problem, unless our dogs are getting off the bed right before we wake up!

          • Alexis December 7, 2011, 1:34 pm

            @CaitlinHTP:
            We recently went through this and I was surprised at how quickly our dog learned to stay out of our bed. Just enforce it 24/7. Correct him every time he gets in your bed, even during the day. I always woke up when my dog jumped into the bed during the night (it helps that he’s 80 lbs haha!) and I’d immediately correct him. But the few times I woke up and found him next to us, I immediately kicked him out.

      • Stephanie C December 7, 2011, 1:53 pm

        @CaitlinHTP: I know many below have said that this strategy has worked for them, but it hasn’t for us. Our dog is strategic. She’ll wait until about 5am to sneak into bed knowing full well that we’ll be in the middle of a nice sleep and not want to wake up to scold and put her back in bed.
        The only thing that worked for us was getting our dog a Cozy Cave Bed. She loves burrowing and it’s lined with wool so she stays warm and is right next to us. Now she PREFERS her bed to ours. My husband and I are sleeping SO much better now!

        • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 1:53 pm

          @Stephanie C: Agree – I just know it wouldn’t work for us.

          Side note – I want to sleep in a Cozy Cave Bed.

  • katie @ KatieDid December 7, 2011, 12:09 pm

    Maybe a big glass of grape juice can help avert the wine craving!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing December 7, 2011, 12:10 pm

    Your little baby bump is so adorable! And go you with being firm with James! I’m a big softie, I don’t think I would’ve lasted…

  • Sarah December 7, 2011, 12:10 pm

    2 million eggs in her ovaries?!! That’s insane to think about!

    What IS it with people immediately jumping to the negative with pregnant women?! Saying it’ll be your last chance for x,y,z… telling their horror birth stories, etc.

  • Allison December 7, 2011, 12:11 pm

    I think baby bumps are precious! I can’t wait to be pregnant! Although, I guess I can wait, just wish I had a cute little baby to cuddle and dress up 😛

  • Hannah December 7, 2011, 12:11 pm

    I know that pathetic dachshund whine all too well…. it’s heartbreaking! They’re such needy creatures.

  • Jen December 7, 2011, 12:13 pm

    A coworker of mine didn’t want to find out the sex of her baby either – during her pregnancy we all lovingly referred to the baby as “shim.” It worked great!

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:22 pm

      @Jen: Awww Shim is cute 🙂

  • Amelia December 7, 2011, 12:17 pm

    Wow your point about if it’s a girl 1/2 your grandchild is in your womb just blew my mind. That is incredible. Congrats on everything so far!

  • Kate December 7, 2011, 12:21 pm

    I think people warn you because they feel they are helping prepare you. It is totally an unfair thing to say to a pregnant women, I agree, but sometimes I think it comes from a place of kindness, just misguided.
    So many women I know are so surprised at how much their life changes after kids, and perhaps they feel by offering some kind of “warning” you will not be caught off guard.
    But I agree, not cool!

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:22 pm

      @Kate: That is a very positive way to look at it 😉 I should adopt this attitude!

  • Christy December 7, 2011, 12:25 pm

    One thing I have learned from my 16 month old is consistency is king! They learn much more quickly that way because they know you won’t budge. And yes, I give advice because there are certain things no one ever told me which I wish I knew, so hopefully they help! 🙂

  • Kim @ girlevolving December 7, 2011, 12:28 pm

    My husband and I hated when people would say stuff like that to us! But we LOVED hearing people talk about how great kids are, how fun it is, how awesome having a family is, how blessed we are. And it’s completely true. Leo is almost 4 months now. We’ve been exhausted, frustrated, uncertain… but it’s the most amazing thing ever. And such a gift to have him!!

  • Alyse December 7, 2011, 12:29 pm

    Have you thought of putting Maggie with James in the guest bed? Maybe he wouldn’t feel so separated and alone. If they were truly kids you’d have some mad sibling rivalry happening over Maggie getting to stay with you. 😉

    That’s neat about the eggs. I didn’t start thinking about my eggs until a couple years ago. I’ll have to ask my mom if she considered my eggs when I was in ze belly.

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:31 pm

      @Alyse: James is pretty independent and I’m sure he will be totally cool with it in two days… Maggie could seriously take months of sleepless nights to break. LOL

  • Jennifer December 7, 2011, 12:32 pm

    Oh, you guys are stronger than me, I soo would have caved. Some nights my dog sleeps poorly and other nights it’s no problem. But I think I would be just as sad if he wasn’t there as he would. But seeing as a baby is on the way, you did the right thing!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith December 7, 2011, 12:33 pm

    I think people are just negative about everything.all.the.time. The days leading up to my wedding, people kept asking my mom if she “warned” me about marriage. That’s nice to tell someone who’s getting ready to walk down the isle.

  • Michelle December 7, 2011, 12:37 pm

    Maybe I missed a post.. How come you’re keeping Maggie in your bed and James in another room?

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:39 pm

      @Michelle: Because she isn’t troublesome. She just lays there.

  • Whitney December 7, 2011, 12:43 pm

    You are a lot stronger than me. I, too, sleep with two little dogs and one has been growling at me the past couple of nights because she needs water or the bathroom or something. As annoying as it may be I am too much of a pushover to relocate her. 🙂

  • Liz December 7, 2011, 12:43 pm

    We don’t have kids but we have cats and I am terrible at consistency – thank goodness for my boyfriend and is iron will!

    Also – I have known many parents who have successfully traveled, written, had sex, and slept with a new baby. As long as you’re intentional about living your life and including your baby, anything is possible!

  • Annalisa December 7, 2011, 12:43 pm

    hmm….I always wonder what people should say to a pregnant woman? It’s always “congratulations” followed by something – but what would you want them to say to you?? I have a 7 mo. old and people always ask how she sleeps (ha! doesn’t!) or if we want another one (love to but exclusively BF’ing sort of prevents that. Oh, and I have a 7 mo. old – how much sex do you think we have??!). I think it’s the only safe thing people can ask. Do I want them to ask how she’s developing (what if she’s not?), should they ask about her poo (’cause we talk a ton about crap), etc. I would get very comfortable with stupid comments because they just come, and come, and come.

    PS – parenting is pretty damn intuitive (I spent time with 0 babies before mine). It feels normal to breastfeed, co-sleep, feed food, etc. Watching Supernanny is sort of ridiculous for help. I am a firm believer that because you care and make the effort your child will be one step ahead of the rest.

    • CaitlinHTP December 7, 2011, 12:45 pm

      @Annalisa: 🙂 this gives me hope because i already care and love. so hopefully i wont have a tiny terror 🙂

      • Kim T December 7, 2011, 1:22 pm

        @CaitlinHTP:
        Even if you do have a tiny terror. S/He will need your love and support just as much and you will willingly give it. Most surprising thing to me about kids – they have their own personalities, that we have very little control over.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife December 7, 2011, 12:46 pm

    Pretty sure the ONLY thing someone should say to a pregnant lady is “congrats”! That.is.it. (unless it’s a friend and you can legit talk about due dates and genders–otherwise, major NO no!!)

    And yes, consistency is KEY. I have 9 siblings and my parents did an incredible job with all of us (I am the odd one out. Hah. j/k). –They had to stay true to their principles and form of punishment and discipline, but they also applied mercy to us as well. it is def a balance!

  • Mary @ stylefyles December 7, 2011, 12:49 pm

    hahah your deep thought is tripping me out!

  • Stacy December 7, 2011, 12:50 pm

    Supernanny has some good practices for your typical child but if a child has any disabilities whatsoever, including ADHD, LD, autism, etc., some of her techniques just aren’t going to cut it (especially the time out). Just throwing that out there. She’s good for basic information but you’ll need to cater it to your future kiddo!

  • kaitlin @4loveofcarrots December 7, 2011, 12:51 pm

    I am no where close to having a baby but I love your weekly babyhtp updates they make me happy and so excited for you!!

  • Amber K December 7, 2011, 1:00 pm

    Ok, you’re blowing my mind with that deep thought. That is something I never would have thought of!

    And I totally bet that it would be irritating for people to constantly tell you how your life is going to be afterwards. It’s different for everyone!

  • dana December 7, 2011, 1:08 pm

    My pregnant friends have warned me that once your pregnant, the unwanted opinions start flying your way. I told a friend that I thought it was pretty bad when I got engaged…everyone had an opinion on what we should do for the wedding, but she warned that it’s worse when you get pregnant. Oh joy! I better start learning to smile and nod now 🙂

  • Tamara December 7, 2011, 1:09 pm

    The dog thing (having them sleep in your bed) was a topic of discussion on the tv show “The Doctors” and all the doctors said they would NOT let dogs or animals sleep in the bed with them (various reasons…you’d have to watch the show).

  • Marina December 7, 2011, 1:11 pm

    I definitely suggest you keep the dogs together, and out of your room. I know it sounds harsh, but they are dogs and they should be kept off the bed. You never know what kind of parasite they carry, and specially when you’re pregnant, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
    I am a veterinary student, and adore animals, so I know how hard it is to say no to those cute puppy eyes, but line has to be drawn somewhere.
    Good luck 🙂

  • Chelsea December 7, 2011, 1:11 pm

    Poor James hahaha <3 I love how you're practicing parenting techniques on them though. Too cute!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 7, 2011, 1:12 pm

    I had ZERO bloat during my last pregnancy but this time I got mega bloaty like you and couldn’t wear my jeans without the B Band but now, thankfully the bloat is gone and has been for a couple weeks. Crazy pregnancy. haha

    A tip for calling your baby something that’s non gender specific is to find an object. Like ‘peanut’ or something. I called my son ‘little pumpkin’ until we found out the gender, it worked great! haha

    • Nikky December 7, 2011, 1:49 pm

      @Diana @ frontyardfoodie: Ours has been “the nugget”… though my friend says every time I call her/him that, she pictures a chicken nugget chilling in my belly.

  • Nina December 7, 2011, 1:13 pm

    A friend just sent me your blog and I’m so happy she did! I’m due 5 days after you (June 18th)!! I look forward to reading your journey and comparing it to mine. So far, we’re pretty close. Although I’m pretty jealous that you’ve had the energy to work out so much. Hopefully you’ll keep me motivated because all I want to do is sleep the moment I get home from work.

  • Kim T December 7, 2011, 1:16 pm

    Ha! Your biggest irritation at the end is funny. People do like to tell you how bad it’s going to get. I have found that comment evolves into – oh newborn years tough, wait till terrible twos, threes, teenage years, etc. All stages of pregnancy and child rearing have their hard moments. I think people want to commiserate, but you know what, those comments make me want to sock people in the gut too. Good luck.

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope December 7, 2011, 1:20 pm

    You look great!!! Love watching the progression. Your pregnancy came just in time because as Emily of Daily Garnish’s ended, i was jonesin’ for some more pregnancy stuff. good job with the timing!

  • Jessica December 7, 2011, 1:24 pm

    I’m curious what your thoughts are on baby/child sleeping in your room/bed?

    I always said absolutely no… Until Grace got here that is, lol. Now, 6 months later, she’s still in our room and nor going anywhere anytime soon. 🙂

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 1:25 pm

      @Jessica: I honestly don’t have any thoughts on the subject. I think this is one of those ‘gotta live it to talk it’ subjects.

      • Jessica December 7, 2011, 1:37 pm

        @Caitlin:
        I think that’s a good philosophy! It’s one of those topics that people like to give lots of “advice” about.

  • marci December 7, 2011, 1:27 pm

    I started to feel good at 12 weeks and great at 15 weeks. Still feeling great at 26 and hope it continues! I also didn’t have a bad beginning, no sickness. And I loved cheese and bread, sometimes together, sometimes not. We don’t know what we’re having, and the guessing is fun.

  • Charise December 7, 2011, 1:29 pm

    Ugh, I hate the “you’ll seeeeeee”s. I don’t have kids, but the same thing happened with I moved in with my now-husband and when we got married. I want to tell people to stop projecting THEIR experience onto MY life!

  • tamicka December 7, 2011, 1:30 pm

    I called my friends baby sunshine until they were born because I didn’t want to acll them an it she loved the idea and adopted the name until the beautiful baby boy was born.

  • Paige December 7, 2011, 1:32 pm

    This is probably just because I am a big softie, but I kind of feel bad for James! Do you think he feels left out or ostracized since you are allowing Maggie to continue to sleep in the bed with you guys? Either way, I totally don’t blame you guys for wanting to get this sorted out now, I can’t imagine trying to train James AND wake up with a newborn in the wee hours of the morning!

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 1:39 pm

      @Paige: 🙂 I understand. I’m a softie too. But the trainer told me to stop projecting human emotions on the dogs. He said James would be just fine.

  • Kristen @ The Concrete Runner December 7, 2011, 1:32 pm

    My baby is 7 weeks and I promise you, my life hasn’t changed that much. Sure, I’m sleep deprived, but I still have time to run + blog, and the hubs + I have plenty of time for us (when we take advantage of it – I’m still at the scary postpartum stage and scared out of my mind of getting pregnant again)!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed December 7, 2011, 1:36 pm

    Love the duck face and love these updates! Good job with the doggie, we don’t let ours sleep in the bed… and sometimes it breaks my heart (especially when it’s thundering out and she gets super scared and shakes) but I know it’s the right decision for us.

  • Heather December 7, 2011, 1:40 pm

    when we moved to our new house 9 months ago we kicked the dos out of the bed. One did fine but the other kept jumping out of her chair (big papazan chair) and crying at our bed (its too high for the little 10 pound fluffball) and we just had to keep getting up over and over and putting her back in her bed. It only took about a week!….then I went out of town, and one night puppy cried at the bed and the husband LET HER SLEEP UP THERE WITH HIM! I was SO mad. it took TWO MONTHS to get her to stop jumping down int he night wanting on the bed. I wanted to KILL him. so remember that when he wants in your room lol!

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 1:41 pm

      @Heather: Oh god. I’m out of town tonight!!!

  • Lauren December 7, 2011, 1:40 pm

    I read a really interesting study today, that if the placenta is implanted on the right side, it could be a boy, and if its implanted on the left, a girl! They had roughly 97% of both boys and girls placenta implant on those sides, and stated its a fairly accurate form of gender identification.

    http://hcp.obgyn.net/fetal-monitoring/content/article/1760982/1878451

    Just for fun – don’t know if its 100% true, but its neat!

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 1:41 pm

      @Lauren: That is neat!!!

  • Laura @ She Eats Well December 7, 2011, 1:42 pm

    I really enjoy these updates. Welcome to 2nd trimester! I hope it’s smooth sailing and you feel great!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 7, 2011, 1:43 pm

    Well your dog adventures are definitely setting you up for the heartbreak when you have to hold firm with your kids…that is the hardest part. Good luck with the pups!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats December 7, 2011, 1:48 pm

    I used to watch super nanny and applied it when babysitting, it’s really helpful!

  • Rosa - Fitness Food Fulfilled December 7, 2011, 1:52 pm

    I’m so jealous that you can wear your favorite jeans! I have only one pair the fit me now and none of my office pants do. My belly has grown a lot in the last two weeks and I already feel huge. I thought the baby bump wouldn’t get here until week 16, but mine is early.
    Had to buy my first maternity pant for the office and it made a huge difference. Comfort is the name of the game right now!

  • Candice @ Sailing on Paper December 7, 2011, 1:59 pm

    The key with dogs is really just consistency, like you said. They may cry and whine for a few nights, but he’ll get it used to it. He won’t even notice that he’s missing out on anything after a while, and he’ll probably even think of it as “his” bed where he can take naps. Good luck! Stick to your plan! 🙂

  • Stephanie December 7, 2011, 2:01 pm

    Hahaha, your deep thought is hilarious!

  • Judy December 7, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Uh, what happens when you have guests sleeping in the guest bed? Think they’ll mind James claiming his side?

  • Sarah December 7, 2011, 2:03 pm

    I am loving your blog – I have read for years, but randomly, we just so happen to be on the same exact baby schedule. I’m due June 10th, so it’s been really fun reading your weekly updates! Looking forward to the next 6 months!

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 5:14 pm

      @Sarah: Happy baby making!!!

  • Mel December 7, 2011, 2:05 pm

    We had the same problem and we brought our two dog beds into our room and put them on the floor by our bed. They both sleep in them now. If they try to get in bed, we pick them up and put them in their beds. I think you should try that instead of putting James in the guest room alone. Poor little man!

    • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep December 7, 2011, 4:06 pm

      I agree with Mel here. I think there’s a lot that can be done besides separating them and letting Maggie continue to sleep in your bed. Like someone said before, they like to be part of a pack, so let them sleep near you. They can have beds on the floor. As for them getting in while you’re sleeping, can you raise the bed to a height that they can’t jump up on it? I don’t think it’s right to separate them and make James sleep alone. If they can’t learn to stay off the bed, shut them both out and make them some comfy beds somewhere else.

      • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 4:19 pm

        @Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep: Nope – impossible. The bed basically lies on the floor in the frame. Trust me, its not like I’m a mean pet mommy (seriously these dogs want for NOTHING and if this is James’ biggest heartache, break out the tiny violin) but I do think its the best solution for the actual humans in the house. 🙂

        • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep December 7, 2011, 4:41 pm

          @Caitlin: How about lifting it with concrete blocks? I know people who have done this so their pets don’t jump in bed. Do they sleep in their own beds during the day?

          • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 4:45 pm

            @Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep: James can jump SO high. I would have to lift the bed to like, 6 feet. And then it would be dangerous for Maggie to jump off!

            They sleep in a dog bed or on the couch during the day, yup! I actually just write a post about this, I would love your suggestions!

  • Zulkey December 7, 2011, 2:09 pm

    Our dog is a 80 pound idiot and it’s fun to have him in bed sometimes, but because of the idiot part, he doesn’t get that sometimes he is invited and sometimes not. Once he barked in my face when I was trying to kick him out because he was so confused about what was going on. Poor guy.

    I watch Supernanny too sometimes but it’s mostly because I have a weird voyeurism thing wherein I am fascinated by horribly-behaving children.

  • Laurie December 7, 2011, 2:15 pm

    I know this has already been addressed, but we have two doxies that used to sleep in the bed with us. My husband said after we got a new mattress that the dogs would NOT sleep in the bed with us! I was sad at first, because they love to burrow underneath the sheets next to you to get all warm. I put their dog beds (next to each other) with lots of blankets in our bedroom and at first they cried and wanted on the bed (they can’t jump on our bed because the bed is too high and they have short legs :), but they got used to it and prefer their beds to ours. I’m not sure what you can do with James, since you said he jumps on your bed. You might try the nanny approach and keep puting him back to his bed. That way he won’t feel so lonely in the other room. Its worth a shot any way! btw, love your little bump, so cute!

  • Joanna December 7, 2011, 2:18 pm

    Bingo! Consistency is the key. I was a first grade teacher for many years and they were able to learn routines so well because they were consistently enforced. Their parents were shocked to see they were able to be so independent after awhile and would always say they couldn’t make them do anything at home. I’m not a parent so I can imagine it would be a lot harder at home. I hope I can do just as well at home as in the classroom.

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous December 7, 2011, 2:19 pm

    What a great record of your pregnancy, your kid will love looking at these posts someday!

  • Amy December 7, 2011, 2:23 pm

    Welcome to the 2nd trimester! I have to say I am totally jealous of how (seemingly) easy your first tri was – at 13 weeks I was still exhausted, nauseous, and wearing a lot of maternity clothes. It was almost impossible to hide my pregnancy but you will have a few more weeks! I hope you continue to feel good. It only gets better from here!

  • Verna December 7, 2011, 2:24 pm

    I hate hate hate those “just wait” comments! So annoying! My son went through a seperation anxiety phase (thankfully before my daughter was born!) and we did exactly what Supernanny suggested. We came up with it on our own but it definietly worked! It took two weeks but after that he went back to being a great sleeper! ; )

  • Joey December 7, 2011, 2:28 pm

    LOVE the pregnancy updates… You are absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to keep seeing that belly grow!

    The update on James made me sad… I hope he doesn’t feel like he’s in trouble 🙁

  • Morgan December 7, 2011, 2:38 pm

    I agree about your biggest irritation, especially about getting sleep. what, you’re going to get lots of extra sleep now so you can bank it and use it for those sleepless nights? You’ll never have sex again or do what you like? Not going to happen! I don’t know why people feel the need to say that, especially since you’ll get to do what you love again, and you learn to function on little sleep, and eventually get to sleep full nights again

  • Sarah @ w30 December 7, 2011, 2:44 pm

    How about this: don’t worry about sleeping because it’s not like you can “store it up” anyway and when the baby comes you’ll probably be tired but you already know that and you also already know that you will be happier than you’ve ever been before…

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch December 7, 2011, 2:49 pm

    Maybe you missed this in your pregnancy books, but having a baby means a lot of random people think they suddenly know more than you! 😉

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) December 7, 2011, 2:58 pm

    Oh, the idea of James whimpering alone makes me sad, but I think you’re doing the right thing, so stay strong! 🙂

    And yes, just wait, the irritating things people say just keeps coming and getting worse, but guess what- I sleep just fine most nights and I have an 11 week old, so HA to all those negative nancies

  • Rachel December 7, 2011, 3:00 pm

    You’re essentially practicing sleep training with your dog- such great practice for when you want to get a baby to sleep through the night! We had to use the cry it out method with our daughter and I remember saying the same thing “stick with it or we’ll have to start all over again!”
    People can be so negative about children. When you’re pregnant, your life is almost over. When you have a newborn, they’re going to get so big and never cuddle again. When they start sleeping, wait for teething. When they crawl/walk, you can never sit still again. There’s a grain of truth to most of it, but only a grain. Just be excited for what’s to come- because trust me, what’s to come is the best thing you can begin to imagine 🙂

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 4:18 pm

      @Rachel: People seem to be equally neg about marriage – makes me sad 🙁

  • Lisa December 7, 2011, 3:04 pm

    I think “its” a BOY!!!!!

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon December 7, 2011, 3:11 pm

    Wow no morning sickness? That’s awesome!

    Also, Target has the best maternity clothes! At least at my Target, the regular women’s section and the maternity section are not clearly defined and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve grabbed something to try on and then realized it’s a maternity item…AWKWARD!

  • Emily December 7, 2011, 3:44 pm

    I was just thinking about the proper grown ups I know – like my mum’s generation (I mean middle aged people I suppose) – and about the stuff they achieved before and after having a family. Overwhelming they found financial stability, career success and similar AFTER babies came. Yes a young family removes some of your options, but when you want to achieve something there is always a way.

    So don’t let people make you think this has to be the end of anything. You will just have to find a new way of doing the things that are important to you.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 7, 2011, 3:52 pm

    yay for entering the second trimester! You will love it 🙂 I am just about to enter the third!! eeek

  • Amanda @ AmandaRunsNY December 7, 2011, 3:55 pm

    oooh, it broke my heart a little to hear about James crying because he can’t sleep with you. Sooo sad.

  • Laura December 7, 2011, 4:29 pm

    My friend (who is a children’s pastor and is helping raise her nephew and niece) SWEARS that stuff that the dog whisperer Cesar Millan says about training dogs are applicable to child rearing. So I think it works both ways. 🙂

  • Rebecca December 7, 2011, 4:49 pm

    Consistency is key, as well as following through. I once babysat two kids and told myself “never again.” Their parents threaten to punish them for being bad, but then don’t follow through with it. The kids have learned that, at least where Mom and Dad are concerned, they can get away with pretty much anything without much punishment, and they think that carries over to other authority figures as well. They would not listen to me. They neighbor even got in on helping me try to wrangle them. It was kind of embarrassing. It was terrible. I think it’s getting better now, but it needs to start when they’re young, not when they’re like 8 and are used to empty threats. It’s so much harder to make it a habit then. It’s easier to be “stricter” at a young age and let up little by little than it is to go from being lenient to strict.

    When I was in 7th grade, we got a puppy, and it made me so sad to hear him crying in his crate at night. It was in the living room, and from where it was positioned he could see into my room if my door was open. I thought that would help him, knowing we were all down the hall, but it made it worse because he couldn’t be with us. I ended up closing my bedroom door at night so that he wouldn’t see me and whine even more. I think we moved his crate, too… We did that every night, and every morning we’d let him out and play with him before school. And then he went back in the create while everyone was at work/school. After probably a week, it became routine and he figured out that we were still going to be there.

    When I house-sat this past March, it was a change. The family had a dog and a cat, both of whom like to sleep in the bed. I’m not used to that at all. The cat likes to wander around at night, and I had to have the bedroom door closed for my own sanity/routine and to keep the dog in with me (they don’t like him wandering a whole lot at night). It got to the point where I would put the “fence” they used to keep the dog in one part of the house during the day up in front of the bedroom door to keep the cat out of the room and to keep her from clawing at the door. That or she had to stay in the room with us. I did try to get the dog to sleep on his doggie bed a few of the nights, because having another body in the bed is weird for me, haha. But I kind of got used to it. He’s not a big dog, just a little terrier thing, about the same size as the cat. I was actually slightly paranoid that I was going to roll over on top of one of them, because I move a lot when I sleep. But it was fine. Just something to get used to.

    • Caitlin December 7, 2011, 4:52 pm

      @Rebecca: Good comment!!! And I will have to try the waterbottle.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) December 7, 2011, 5:18 pm

    You look so beautiful and happy! 🙂

    I really never thought about your “Deep Thought” before. That is really really weird to think about.

    Love your pregnancy updates!

  • Fallon December 7, 2011, 5:21 pm

    Caitlin – That first picture! You’re positively glowing :). I’m so glad to hear that you feel really good entering the 2nd tri; I hope I have your luck with morning sickness when I have kids.

    When I saw your deep thought, I immediately thought of Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy, from SNL. Then I read it in his voice. Try it, it’s worth a good laugh 🙂

  • Allison K December 7, 2011, 5:28 pm

    Don’t write off the puking yet! I puked three times in week 11 (but never before that), and several more times in my 2nd tri!

  • Dana @ the Big Fat Skinny December 7, 2011, 5:56 pm

    Glad you’re feeling well at this stage! Good for you guys for sticking to your guns … it will pay off and James will be FINE!

  • kristin December 7, 2011, 6:25 pm

    My most hated pregnancy comment is “how are you feeling?”. I’m 27 wks today and I feel GREAT, felt great since 14wks after morning sickness subsided. what am I supposed to feel like?? Does the person asking even want to know? And even if some weird pregnancy issue was happening I wouldn’t share it with aquaintences or ppl at work who constantly ask. I keep hearing about third tri issues and imagine by that time when someone asks me how I am I’m going to say “feels like there’s a bowling ball pressing on my va-jay, thanks for asking!” Haha.

    You look amazing! I’m so jealous you only gained 5lbs at 13 wks I had gained 10 by then! Haha up 20 right now and I wish I hadn’t gained an extra 5 in the first tri. Btw I lived on grilled cheeses for the first tri! I was so sick couldn’t even look at a veggie! it was the only thing that seemed appealing.

  • Laura December 7, 2011, 8:10 pm

    So maybe it seems crazy, but you really CAN apply stuff from Supernanny to your pets.. and adults as well! She uses a lot of techniques that come from behaviorism and Applied Behavior Analysis.

    Also, my experience being pregnant (twice) was that people feel the need to share everything & anything and it’s often TMI!! Lol

  • Tracy December 7, 2011, 9:53 pm

    Caitlin I am so excited for you!!!!! My son just turned 1, and being a working mom has been wonderful because of some advice I got when I was 8 months pregnant. I don’t know if anyone has mentioned Babywise to you, but if not you should read the book! It is a lot of work at first but it is totally worth it! My son is super happy because of his sleep schedule, and I am hoping because we did Babywise we will never have to use that Supernanny technique!!! 🙂

  • Lindsay December 7, 2011, 10:10 pm

    I’m obsessed with super nanny too! Not a mom yet but I store the lessons away 🙂

  • JenRD December 7, 2011, 10:14 pm

    I agree with your biggest irritation! And those very same people who tell you to sleep as much as you can now will be asking you ONE MONTH (if that) after baby is born, “is she sleeping through the night yet”? Ugh!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 8, 2011, 12:22 am

    Love that duck face, and the cute little bump!!! Ugh, I hear that kind of stuff from parents all the time – they have NO idea what my life will be like when I have a baby one day, so why do they think I will be just like them. SO frustrating! Life should not end when babies come, there is no reason for that to happen.

  • Wendy December 8, 2011, 12:27 am

    Well, to counteract all the unsolicited advice: I think my first grader and 4 year old are pretty darn awesome kids, and I hope you are looking forward to the joy of having your own child. 🙂 As mine have grown, I keep thinking what could be better than this? But it just keeps getting better.

    Don’t stress about having zero baby experience. That’s exactly the amount I had before I had my own kids. I remember the moment my daughter was born thinking “hand over my baby!” It was just natural to want to take care of her, and to do things by instinct. Nature is cool like that. Sure, there’s a steep learning curve, but considering how much thought you’ve already put into raising a child, I think you’ll be a GREAT mama!

    • Caitlin December 8, 2011, 7:25 am

      @Wendy: Love this comment.

  • Dominique December 8, 2011, 12:33 am

    We have two cats and one of them has taken to sleeping at the end of the bed, which is all fine and dandy if it weren’t for the fact that he then wakes up early and starts meowing until he’s fed–90 minutes later. Sean and I will try to go back to bed but more often than not, Mischief (very fitting name for such a cat) will hop onto the side tables and onto the bed. Or better yet, he walks up to our faces and then starts poking us with his nose. We’re debating whether or not we should let him sleep with us anymore but it’s still in the debate stage.

  • Sarah December 8, 2011, 1:31 am

    Actually, I disagree with most comments here. I took note of when people told me to go and do ‘stuff’ before my babies arrived. Because, despite thinking you may be the ONLY person who has ever been pregnant (and lets face it, we all feel that way) – most people in the world go through it. And they are right!

    So sock me one! BUT you REALLY SHOULD go to the movies now…. that is one thing you’ll not do much off (note I didn’t say ‘never’). I used to see at least a movie a week. *snort* now it is like one or two a year (pay a babysitter to go to the cinema????)…or else I wait for the DVD. Sure, you’ll travel and write and have sex and sleep etc etc again. But never ever as much of any of it again. But that is something to rejoice, you know!!

    I always took comments like that as people taking a chance to bond with me over a fabulous experience all humanity shares. Having babies knocked me off the pedestal I had myself on – it is levelling and grounding and suddenly you are every other woman in the world who has had a baby before. I loved the reality of this. I became part of the human race – maybe beforehand I thought I was a bit special 😉

    • Caitlin December 8, 2011, 7:25 am

      @Sarah: I think i am annoyed by those comments because it implies that parenthood is inherently negative. its like when you’re getting married and people are like “yuk yuk are you sure?!!?” LOL

  • Juani December 8, 2011, 7:30 am

    Couldn’t Maggie and James sleep together in the guest room?Then they would have each other as company,and James wouldn’t get lonely.

    It might be annoying when people tell you that you won’t have time for lots of the things that childless people take for granted,but it’s very,very true.At least for the first couple of years,baby takes over,lol.But that’s what parenthood entails,so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

  • Samantha December 8, 2011, 7:50 am

    This kind of bothers me. Honestly, rewarding Maggie for being a quiet sleeper by allowing her to stay in the bed and locking James in a completely different room seems a bit like you’re punishing him. Why not be fair and make it so both dogs are not allowed in your room during the night. You can put them both together and James won’t feel he’s being punished, and Maggie won’t have separation anxiety. If you are using Super Nanny as the basis for this, then I don’t think she’d approve of you allowing one child to sleep with you, while being stern and not allowing the other. Just sayin.

  • Sarah R December 8, 2011, 8:57 am
  • Katy M December 8, 2011, 9:23 am

    I am currently 38 weeks pregnant and we had to go through the same thing with our dogs. We realized too that having them in the room was creating a lot of dander and dust we didn’t want baby exposed too every night. We moved both of their beds to other parts of the house and they seem to have adjusted. Now (it has been a few months), if I am taking a nap or reading in bed, they come to the door or stand in the hallway looking in like “can we come in and hang out?” So we let them sometimes but we have held strong with making them sleep in their beds. Sometimes our little dog whines and I just go put him back in his bed. I think you’re right, this must be good practice for parenthood! But don’t worry the dogs will get used to whatever you set up for them.

    I hope you’ll continue to share your experience as you transition to parenthood and ignore the negative comments!

  • Sara December 8, 2011, 9:36 am

    LOVE the technique you used with James! We need to kick our dogs out of our bed. We are constantly waking up uncomfortable because our 60+ pound dogs (two of them!) are on our feet, legs, hips, you name it. We may have to try this out. I do enjoy snuggling with them in the morning though 🙁

  • Amanda December 8, 2011, 10:23 am

    I’m not pregnant, nor do I have kids, but I have already been slightly frustrated by other moms. I made a facebook status a few months ago about it being weird to be awake so early (6:30). A young mom commented on the status saying “never have kids if that’s early for you ;)” . I don’t mean to be negative, but I thought I’d share. It was annoying. :p For some (definitely not all!) moms, I feel like there’s this feeling of superiority and experience. I know that when I do become a mom, I’ll be open to advice, but I’ll be avoiding those people who seem to think they know all despite having a baby that’s less than one year old :p.

  • Lisa December 8, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I am hating the ‘just wait’ comments. Particularly when asked how i’m feeling and i usually say ‘great, just a little tired’. Inevitably most will respond, ‘Well, just you wait!’ I want to punch them in the face. Also, i have resorted to sleeping in our guest room to avoid our dog (who sleeps on the floor in our bedroom but has a tendency to get up and drink water in the middle of the night. a dog collar hitting the bowl and slurping at 3am? no thanks. Also I am avoiding my husband who snores. Terribly. I feel a little bad about not sleeping in the same room as by husband but i really need to sleep or the grouchiness factor will be intense the next day. Once I wake up in the night these days, I have a really hard time falling back asleep. Really enjoying your updates. So nice to compare experiences (and bumps) to yours!
    -12.5 week pregnant Lisa-

    • CaitlinHTP December 8, 2011, 2:35 pm

      @Lisa: congrats on youre pregnancy!

  • Jessica December 8, 2011, 7:10 pm

    As a fellow pregnant woman, my biggest pet peeve is when a baby is crying and someone who knows I’m pregnant says to me “are you ready for that?” Honestly, how do you think i will answer. No i’m not ready for that. But thanks a lot for pointing out one of the realities of motherhood and getting me amped up. If I ever snap and give a sassy response at least I can blame my hormones. 🙂

  • Robyn December 8, 2011, 10:52 pm

    You have such a great and popular blog…PLEASE consider looking into infant and child care that supports attachment and emotional development. Read information from Dr. Sears or at KellyMom.com or Le Leche League before making decisions about how you want to raise your sweet baby. The SuperNanny’s sleep techniques do not honor a child’s emotional and attachment needs, nor does BabyWise (as mentioned by a previous commenter).

    • CaitlinHTP December 8, 2011, 10:53 pm

      @Robyn: Already looking into Le Leche League! They seem cool. I definitely want to talk to a variety of professionals and kind of craft my own opinion.

  • Amy December 8, 2011, 11:05 pm

    ahhh such a tiny bump!!! i have a good friend who is prob around the same time as you..she was feeling super nauseous and exhausted and suddenly it just went away. im glad you’re feeling better! im sure its tough kickin the dog out…but stay strong!! he’s got such a cute face it would be hard to say no haha

  • Haley December 9, 2011, 12:35 pm

    Late, I know but you are adorable!! I love your little tiny bump and can’t wait to see more photos each week 🙂

  • Lauren @ Team Giles December 10, 2011, 10:56 am

    Loving all the weekly updates 🙂
    Random question though, your jeans are very cute. What brand are they?

  • Ashley January 2, 2012, 11:38 am

    Hopefully you’ll see this even though it’s an older post – I was curious as to how the dogs have been doing since you’ve changed your sleeping habits with them. I am 11 weeks pregnant and we decided last night to keep our dogs out of our bedroom from now on. Tell me they adjust!

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