Well its official. I found out yesterday that I am pregnant. Seems so surreal still. I had been preparing myself for that news ever since I began to suspect it, but it still doesn't prepare you for the moment the doctor calls and confirms it. She said I was "just barely" pregnant, with my hcG hormone levels at 211. HcG is released soon after implantation, which occurs 8-12 days after conception. It starts at 5 IU/L at implantation, and doubles every day after that. So that puts conception somewhere between Feb 5-9th. I'm thinking it happened right around the time Steve left on the 7th. Even though sperm can live in the body for a while, for them to live long enough for conception to occur on the 9th is a bit of a stretch. But either way, this puts due date around Oct 30-Nov 1. I'll let the doctor determine that for sure. I have a doctor appointment on March 12, when they will listen for the heartbeat! I know that will be an amazing moment, and I so wish he could be here. I think my parents will probably come. Of course, that requires me talking to them....which I haven't done yet. I wanted to be able to do it in person. Maybe this weekend. I'm supposed to go to Washington State Park and supervise the Sierra Club as they cut and burn cedars. I don't know how much work I can/will be able to do. But I can go see my parents Monday if nothing else.

I found all this out right before I left for Winter Interpreter's training at Babler State Park. I woke up and got online, and thankfully Steve was on. While he was there on the computer, I went to take my HPT. Immediately two lines showed up. Even though instinctually I knew it, there was that small part of me thinking "oh shit". So I had to tell him via instant messenger, which really sucked. I made an appointment for a blood test that morning, just to be sure. So I went and got my blood drawn, and they said results would be back the next day. As I waited for my results yesterday, I got nervous because my presentation I was supposed to give got moved up to right after lunch. I was so worried they would call right before and I would have that on my mind the whole time. Thankfully, though, I didn't get the call until later. It was kinda hard not shouting it out to everyone! Because of course that mommy part of me is thrilled. But nervous too.

As for how I'm feeling, the best word is EXHAUSTED. I can get a full nights sleep, and the next day just be so tired. Today, all I did was sit through a half day of sessions and then rode home with Janet...and I was so tired I had to take a nap when I got home. Beyond that, my lower back hurts, I'm still kinda crampy feeling. And sore boobs, which has been a constant. My friend Becky is pregnant and she told me that it does go away, thank god. Its not that its that painful, but its really annoying. Of course, in a couple weeks I could be dealing with morning sickness. Mom said she never got it, so let's hope that's genetic!