Here’s a photo of us at our friends’ wedding at the Broadmoor this past weekend.

What do you think?

Oooh.  I feel a bit bigger than I used to feel, say 18 weeks ago.  Specifically around the middle.

Know why?

If you guessed it’s because I’m settling into married life, you are so right.  If you guessed it’s because I’m eating a whole lotta cheese, you’re ALSO right.

But the main reason is…we’re expecting a baby (!)  Babies make you bigger…specifically around the middle.

Our calendars are marked for a due date of February 14, and we are so excited!

I’ll say something about the first trimester, then I want to forget it ever happened.

It was not fun (and the trimester took full swing during the height of another one of Denver’s hot, dry summers, so it felt extra not fun).

Several times a week between weeks seven and twelve I was queasy–often all day.  It was fairly miserable.  My cravings during weeks six through thirteen were celery, iced water, french bread, salt, and grilled cheese sandwiches.  And sleep.  SLEEP.

Riding in cars made me sick.  Thinking about eating salad made me sick.  Brushing my teeth made me sick.  Talking about brushing my teeth made me sick.

Do not read further if you can’t handle stories about people throwing up.

My mom thinks this is a funny story to remember, so I’ll tell you.  After Chris and I were house hunting one day and we’d taken a look at one of the sweetest little bungalows you’ve ever set eyes on in the West Highland neighborhood of Denver, I had a craving for a BLT…and some fries.  I wanted to go to our favorite Greek place in Congress Park, Chef Zorbas.  So we drove straight there from our viewing of the house in West Highland.  We parked the car in front of the small market next to Chef Zorba’s and I suddenly had a terrible feeling.  I started yelling to Chris, “Oh gaw, oh gaw…get me out of here!  How do the locks work on this car!?”  And with that, I tore out of the passenger side and threw up so hard behind the back bumper into the street gutter that my glasses fell off and smacked on the pavement.

It was loud and retching.  It was violent.  Chris got out of the car and said, “Honey!  Are you okay?  Is this what happens to you every day after I leave for work?”  Yes.  Yes it is.  I think it was a good thing for him to see.  Meanwhile, there were some romantical couples eating al fresco on the sidewalk in front of Chef Zorba’s who had to witness the awfulness.  The owner of the market, Patrick, came out with a bottle of water for me.  ”Tell him I’m not drunk,” I said to Chris in between bouts of projectile bile.  ”Congratulations, kids!  Another baby in the neighborhood!”  Patrick said to Chris.

Ugh.  First trimester.  Summed up.

But the second trimester, so far, is off to a great start.  We’re slowly getting back to normal.  I’m feeling more energetic and can eat pretty much how I loved eating before–a bit more healthfully.  I’m not gorging on as much bread and celery and that’s kind of a nice feeling.  And like I said, I was out until the wee hours on Saturday night, partying with the heartiest of wedding goers.  I have the energy to throw in loads of laundry without falling asleep during the dry cycle.  It’s awesome!

On to our next adventure!