July 10, 1999 - I was officially 4 days late, but not knowing the length of my cycles since I had never really counted, I couldn't exactly be sure what might be going on with my body.  I made the decision to test by next weekend, July 17th.  After a long day and much debate, and some postings to some of my favorite pregnancy websites, I determined that it just might be possible.  Frank decided he just couldn't wait.  So, we ventured out to purchase an HPT.  Returning with a 2 pack, but not having to "go", we waited about an hour or so and then I finally took the test.  Result: a faint line in the window indicating a positive result.  A line is a line, but reality still hadn't set in.  I took the second test 3 days later with the same result and called the doctor for my first appointment, scheduled for August 10th.  Seems like such a long time away!  Frank begins to read a book I bought him, "What to Expect When She's Expanding" and giving me helpful hints.

July 16, 1999 (3 weeks gestation, 5 weeks 1 day since LMP):  So far, I've really been appreciating the fact that I haven't really had any kind of nausea, dizziness or fatigue.  However, after reading some posts I see that much of that doesn't set until until the 6th or 7th week.  Something to look forward to I guess.  Still, I'll keep drinking lots of fluids, taking my vitamins and eating small snacks throughout the day.  To my amazement, in the last week I have really lost my taste for sweets, including (gasp) chocolate!  I seem to crave salty or sour foods, like pickles and popcorn, as well as seafood (not exactly unusual for me).  I've read this is an old wives tale for expecting a boy.  Then last night I have my first dream about the baby and in the dream it's a boy.  Hmmmm...gotta wonder about that one.  I've also been trying to exercise more, I've played tennis twice this week and walked the dog.  I've read exercise is the best way to fight fatigue and I'm determined to win that battle.

July 20, 1999 - (5 weeks, 5 days):  Things are still going well.  The only exercise I had this weekend was painting, but that was pretty exhausting.  The return to 100+ temps here hasn't made me feel like doing much, and yesterday afternoon when I returned home from work I was very tired.  Could just be the heat and the fact that I was driving around looking at furniture after work.  We went out and purchased 2 much-needed items for our bedroom, a dresser and a headboard, and had dinner at The Canopy.  Before eating I was feeling a little nauseous, but it was probably because I hadn't eaten in several hours.  A little concerned that I'm not getting my intake of those leafy green veggies.  Maybe I better start trying to get at least one serving in a day.

July 26, 1999 - (6 weeks, 4 days) - Well it was an interesting weekend to say the least. We spent Friday through Sunday in Ocean City, Maryland with 9 of our friends and 2 children ages almost 1 year and almost 4 years. Joey (the almost 4 year old) really seemed to take to just about everyone, including me, which was nice. Frank is his godfather and it's nice to know he actually knows his name now. He really enjoyed the beach. Frank made so many hints about my pregnancy that I thought for sure someone would end up asking. Luckily, nobody managed to figure it out. Nicki, who is about 4 months pregnant, made several comments to me about "just wait until you are pregnant" and while it didn't bother me, Frank seemed to get annoyed by it to the point that he was ready to just talk. Honestly, I just didn't want any extra attention or have to answer questions or take advice right now. Plus, we still haven't told our families and I feel like they should know before we begin to tell everyone else. For the most part, I was feeling okay all weekend. I know I didn't drink as much water as I should have, that seems to be a big problem for me on the weekends. I also had more caffeine than usual, but it was a vacation and I've returned to my usual routine now. I did eat a lot of seafood, crabs both Friday and Saturday evening, plus softshells on Saturday evening. My cravings for seafood should be satisfied for a while now (yeah right!). Frank's parents invited us to stay for steak when we returned on Sunday to pick up the dog from them, but I just wasn't in the mood for steak so we kindly declined. Plus, I really just wanted to get home! I am noticing a little more that I really need to eat every few hours, even if it's just a snack, but I haven't felt terrible sick yet and am hoping to be one of the lucky ones that doesn't get morning sickness. A little over 2 weeks until my first doctor's appointment. I'm sure they are going to be long!